Music. I could listen to it all day long.
It almost seems that I do. My radio, set for classical music, awakens me to exquisite renditions from the great masters. Morning TV introduces me to the latest pop stars. Going to and from work, I may alternate between the music from my youth and folk music from many lands. In my office I must concentrate. So, if there is background music, it is soft but sweet. At times, I pause to revel in the sheer loveliness, the majesty, the emotion, the delicacy of some melody.
Do you wonder about the mystery of music?
Think about music as beauty. Why are some songs and tunes so exquisite, so attractive? Why do certain tempos excite us? Music is to hearing as glorious sunsets, delicate flowers and majestic mountains are to seeing.
Think about music as power. Power to charm. Power to captivate. Power to soothe. Do you remember the biblical story of David and Saul? When King Saul leaves God, God leaves him. An evil spirit comes to terrorize Saul. The royal servants know the power of music. One of them says, “I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing” (1 Samuel 16:18). Saul calls Jesse’s son David to be his personal aide.
And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight.” And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him. (1 Samuel 16:22-23)
How does music do that? Saul’s experience is special, but we all know music’s power to touch and move emotions. Back in 1697, an English playwright, William Congreve, wrote words that have become proverbial.
Musick has charms to sooth a savage Breast,
To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.
Why do we find music so charming? Why does it have such a hold on us? How does it touch us at the very core of our feelings?