Jeff Gee’s Blog

Love–The Universal Song

February 12th, 2009

             Love is the most powerful emotion on the planet. It holds people together in tough times, and is sprinkled like magic dust over people when things are going well. But, what I love most about love is that it comes in all different shapes and sizes. I just went to see my 6-year-old grandson give a piano recital at the Suzuki Music School in Chicago. I’d heard him practicing Clair de Lune for weeks, his little fingers stumbling over the keys, his face scrunched up in concentration, determined to strike the right chord, so I was happy to see him display his talent in front of an audience of parents, family and friends.

            But, I knew there’d be twenty other kids doing their recitals too—so I was not expecting to be riveted to my seat—it was more of a supporting role that made me go!

            We got there early and found good seats at the front. Among the throng of people, I noticed a young man in the corner with his back turned, tuning up his cello, and I thought, ‘wow he’s taking a really long time to tune that thing up!’ I’m not a musician, so what do I know? Finally, after a few false starts, the head teacher came up and started off the recital by saying, “some of the pieces are quite long, so sit back, relax and enjoy!” And I thought, ‘oh no! We’re going to be here for ever.’

            As she left the stage, the young ‘tunor’ walked on with his cello and sat on a chair. I peeked at the program and saw he was Ben Manis, playing Concerto in D minor, 1^st Movement, and I thought, ‘okay this is probably the long one!’ He was accompanied by a pianist and after the briefest of nods like an invisible, baton they began.

            Don’t get me wrong, I love all kinds of music, classical too, however I’m more inclined to the Beatles, Faith Hill, or even the Ink Spots, but when I saw and heard this cellist, I felt so uplifted, time stood still. It wasn’t simply the deep, melodious notes, the bowing, or intricate finger movements, it was the expression on his face—it was pure love—he really loved playing; and I thought of all the hours he must have put into practicing, because he didn’t have any music in front of him, he’d learned and memorized every chord by playing it over and over and over. Sitting somewhere alone, so that he could play without disturbing his parents or roommates—just him and his cello, making beautiful music. More often than not, probably, missing chords, getting it wrong, being frustrated but in the end, the love of music keeping him going until this one day, here he is, sitting in front of me and my family playing! How amazing is that?

            After he finished we applauded and I thought, ‘okay, that was the long piece and it was really good, now I just have to make myself be in the now and enjoy the rest.” So I sat back and watched all these little kids walk up one after the other, with the teacher adjusting the piano seat and the foot stool so they could reach the keys to play songs like, Mary Had a Little Lamb, London Bridge and Arietta. After my grandson, Armando had played his rendition of Clair de Lune and gotten over the fiddly little bits with hardly a hesitation, I could once again breathe, and even thought, ‘maybe we can sneak out now,’ but of course we couldn’t because we were on the front row. And I’m glad I didn’t because next thing, this very slight, young woman walked up front and center with her violin. She too had an accompanist and I looked at my program to find her name: Anna Papierniak, Violin, Sonata No. 3 in C Minor; Allegro Molto. I have no idea what all that means, but I know it’s probably going to be another long piece.

            She too gave her pianist the slightest of nods, then, holding the bow high, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath she began….it was a transformation in front of my eyes. This slight, young woman suddenly came alive with passion, empathy and a deep connection to music. And here’s what makes me believe in the power of love; this music was written hundreds of years ago, by someone called Edvard Grieg, who was born on the 15^th June, 1843 in Norway. Did he ever imagine that his creation would eventually be played in Chicago by a young woman who also loved to play notes of love.

            It was like being part of a sound track being laid down for a classic love story. My heart opened, and I felt a surge of love that I have never experienced in this way before. I mean, I’ve always loved music, but to see it played by someone who really loves playing, is truly inspiring. I even felt tears in my eyes, and after she had finished, I looked over at my daughter and could see by her full eyes, that she’d experienced it also. And so the feeling was even heightened. Love being shared by someone I love.

            Anna was followed by some more Clair de Lune and finally, a proud father playing on guitar, accompanying his young daughter on violin playing Solder’s Joy Davy Nick Nack Miss Forbes’ Farewell to Banff. And I thought about all the love of music that exists on this planet. It’s truly how we express our joy and our love—what a miracle—but how did it start?

            Did the cave men and women finish dinner and hammer out a tune with the discarded bones; tap their feet to some ancient, primeval vibration. I’m sure you’ve seen universe written out as UNI-VERSE—One song. But really, who made the first piano? Who thought to tie horse hair together to make a bow for a violin and then a bigger one for a cello? So although I thought of writing a piece about the usual kind of love we have—love for each other, for families, and friends, I find myself thinking about the love of the uni-verse, this one song that we are singing together.

            I think about all the millions of people pursuing their passion, sometimes alone, sometimes with others, but always connected to a very powerful vibration of love that comes from deep within the soul of this round spinning orb we call home. Love is what keeps us together, feeds us with joy, happiness and enthusiasm.

            So whatever you are doing in this moment, take in a deep breath of love. Love in, love out. Breathe in the uni-verse, the one song that we all share together. The deep connection that we have to each other, because whether we are in tune with it or not, it is ever present; a melody, a chord, a song we call the uni-verse!

            Here’s a short meditation to connect you to the musical experience of love. Read through, then close your eyes and enjoy the love. Imagine you are a musician, and you are being brought a beautiful instrument to play—it can be a piano, violin, cello or some other instrument that is being gifted to you now to play. Feel the vibration of the musical notes emanate throughout your body, mind and soul. Allow every part of yourself to open to the uni-verse, the one song that we all sing together—the song of love. Rock N Roll Val & Jeff
 

 

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