Music and Prayer
Music can take many forms evoking different feelings. What was the composer’s intent? What tempi will render the piece true to that intent? How do I add my interpretation without altering the composer’s thoughts? I love to listen to all kinds of music and try to stay open to the musician’s ideas. However, when we change the mood to fit our ideas it seems we may have stepped into arrogance, maybe without even noticing.
Surely some pieces will lift your heart to the point of prayer while others may engender excitement, anger, or sadness. It is the wonder of music that can express what would otherwise go unnoticed. I find I do not have to like every piece I hear to appreciate its musical expression. I do find that merely writing and/or performing notes will not always move me.
Listen with discernment and enjoy those pieces that have something to express!