Music for the heart
A reflection on the power of live performance
Who hears music, feels his solitude
Peopled at once.
Robert Browning, The complete poetical works of Browning
Thanks to the pandemic, like many people I went a long time between attendance at live concerts. Two recent experiences reminded me what a joy they can be, and how fortunate I am to have the opportunity to attend them.
The first of the concerts was a baroque music presentation in a 19th century cathedral.
The audience was still and attentive. The performers were intensely focused on their art, wielding ancient instruments in historically informed performances.
The experience was transporting — and even the intrusive sounds of emergency vehicle sirens outside couldn’t pierce the magic of the moment.
Harpsichord, violin, recorder, viola de gamba, lute — instruments familiar and archaic blended together in a seamless, intense harmony that resonated in the cathedral’s vaulted space.
