I experience wonder and awe from music. I have always enjoyed listening to songs, singing in a chorus, or playing an instrument. Music affects me differently from most everything else in my life.
Music gives me an opportunity to unwind after a hard day. For me, there is nothing more relaxing than listening to a song that you love. Also, you can change your music as quickly and as easily as you can change moods. Sometimes I'm really tired, so I play a slow, gentle song. Other times, I feel excited so I'll listen to an upbeat tune. I can choose to listen to any number of musical genres: classical, a musical's soundtrack, country and bluegrass, rock n' roll, blues......and the list goes on and on. I think that it is amazing how versatile music can be, especially since every song ever written is made up of variations of only seven notes (C,D,E,F,G,A,B). Including the sharps and flats , there are only twelve pitches available to write a song. These twelve pitches are duplicated to form different octaves, creating even more pitches, and opening up an infinite world of sounds!
The simplicity and, at the same time, the complexity of music also causes me to wonder. The idea seems simple: there are twelve basic sounds to use to make a song. But arranging a decent tune takes an incredible amount of work and thought. Professional songwriters and composers are men and women of outstanding talent. A truly gifted composer can use these twelve fundamental sounds and artfully use them to weave a story in a universal language, a language that can evoke feelings, emotions, and memories. A good song, even if it is only a few chords and a dozen words or so, can speak volumes to a careful listener.
Although a truly gifted composer can create musical masterpieces as I mentioned above, anyone can participate in a musical experience. Music offers something to everyone: those with perfect pitch and those who are "tone-deaf"; those who are coordinated enough to play an instrument and those who are not; those who can read sheet music and those who who cannot. I do not think that there is anyone in the world who does not like listening to some form of music. Music has also been an important part in the cultures of people throughout history. I believe that it is wonderful that something can be so universal.
Perhaps above all, music is a form of entertainment. I can spend hours listening to songs or even just picking out a melody on the piano. Sometimes I sit down in front of a keyboard and start pounding off a few notes from one of my favorite songs. When I look at the clock after what seems like only a few minutes, I find out that nearly half an hour has gone by. There is always a song playing inside my head at all times of the day. Every now and then, I will catch myself reading a school textbook as if the words printed on the page were the words to one of my favorite songs. I've also been told at the lunch table that I bounce to the rhythm of whatever tune is playing in my head at that time. I guess the bottom line is that music is a part of me.
I most often experience true wonder and awe after listening to a truly great piece of music. I wonder things such as "What made the composer think of that?" or "Gosh, I wish I could do that." Sometimes I don't think of anything in particular after hearing a good song. I just feel different. It is hard to explain, but certain things about music just make me smile or send a shiver down my spine, like when a tenor hits a high note with ease, or when a chorus sings a chord perfectly in tune, or when the lyrics of a song really hit home to something I can relate to.
Overall, music is a thing of beauty to me. Many people relate wonder and awe to something physical such as art, a natural landmark (such as the Grand Canyon or a redwood tree), or science and astronomy. What I believe is most amazing and awe inspiring about music is that you can create the sounds and experience the effects of music, yet it is not a physical object. You can't see or feel the sounds. You can only hear them. I find it very interesting that the power that music holds is all experience through one sense of the body.
The love for music that I have developed (and still am developing) has caused me to be curious about music. I want to learn more. I do not just want to hear more songs; I want to know more about the theory behind music: how to create overtones and undertones; how to compose a short song or musical phrase; the names and definitions associated with parts of a song; the different key signatures, chord progressions, and cadences; etc. When I was in gradeschool, music was more of a hobby. I thought singing was fun and instruments were pretty cool. Now it has become much more than that. Music has become a part of me, and that is pretty awe inspiring.
I have listed a few songs below that can move me to wonder and awe. You may listen to the first two.
The Word was God
Composer: Rosephanye Powell
I sang this song with SLUH's Concert Chorus in the spring of 2006. The lyrics are based on the first chapter of the first book of John in the Bible. I really like how this song steadily builds, and all of the parts are singing the same lyrics, but at different times. Even though each part is singing different words and notes at the same time, they all blend together beautifully. I hope you can find and listen to this song.
Rooftop
Composer: Alan Menken
From Disney's Newsies
I love all of the songs from this musical, but I think that this one is the most moving. It is purely instrumental, so there are no words, but I think that if you really listen, this piece can tell a story on its own. I find this song very calming and gentle. When I listen to this song, I can't help but think "That was amazing. How could someone make something so good?" I would encourage you rent or buy the movie Newsies and listen to all of the wonderful songs, but to also pay special attention to this one.
Goodnight My Angel
Music and Lyrics by: Billy Joel
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Billy Joel is one of my favorite artists. Goodnight My Angel is also known as Lullabye. Since it is designed as a lullabye, the song is slow and soft. If you would like to read the lyrics, which I think are great, click here.
Can You Feel the Love Tonight?
Music by: Elton John
Lyrics by: Tim Rice
This song was originally written for Disney's The Lion King. Tim Rice wrote the lyrics, and I think he did a wonderful job. To see the lyrics, click here. If you have ever heard this song before, I think you can understand why I think it is so special. Elton John and Tim Rice managed to capture the idealistic view of love and turn it into a beautiful and entertaining song.
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Here is a list of some other songs that I really enjoy. If you are looking for a few new songs, I encourage you to give some of these a try.
From Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Any Dream Will Do
One More Angel in Heaven
Close Every Door
From Disney's Newsies
Seize the Day
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