A musician can play a song from memory,
but they likely could not recite the notes of the same song. When a musician
knows a song by heart the body and breath remember instinctively what to
do.
Today we know that music, memory,
and emotion are deeply connected in the brain. For thousands of years the oral
tradition was critical to human survival, and we became primed to subconsciously
respond to rhythm and song.
Throughout the world, people pray
by singing or chanting. We have lullabies to soothe babies, and marching bands
to send armies off to war. This is not coincidental—the purpose of the music is
to trigger an emotional response.``
Find musical inspiration in The
Key to Spain and the life story of Flory Jagoda, “Keeper of the Flame” of
Sephardic music. Jagoda learns that the greatest gift she can share with the
world are the songs of her ancestors. Her music is the key that keeps her
connected to her family’s history.
Conductor of the Israel
Philharmonic Orchestra Leonard Bernstein said “music can name the unnamable and
communicate the unknowable.” A Concert In the Sand tells the whimsical
tale of a boy and his grandmother attending the first performance of the orchestra
in 1936. The boy experiences the awesome power of music to touch the hearts of
the people.
Music is so therapeutic it can
lower blood pressure, ease anxiety and depression, and boost immune function. Listen
to some music and dance, sing along, or simply let your mind wander. You can
even use video or phone to listen to music “together” with someone far away.
As we find ourselves alone at
home this winter, think of music as a balm for the soul. It is the chance to
feel an authentic emotional connection to something bigger than ourselves. What
will your soundtrack be?