For some reason (while at the computer), I decided to listen to Beethoven’s 9th. I know this music from early childhood while sitting with my oldest brother, Peter, listening to the classical records he collected. I could have been five or less, but I clearly remember that he wanted me to listen with him whenever he bought a new record. I owe him much for that and more.
Beethoven and classical music, in general, have played a significant role in my life. It began with my brother, Pete, and continued well into my life. Listening today brought tears to our eyes. I write “our” because Lenette heard the music, came into the office, and saw me sitting back and conducting with a pencil. She cried, and I teared up too because this is what I used to do all the time… And life goes on.
I’ve written of the serendipitous moment on Okinawa when I cast a shadow on the tent of our company’s captain. Beethoven’s music drew me from my guard station to listen to a quartet he was playing on a wind-up record player. He, and that moment, contributed to changing the path I was walking—and it was an extraordinary change.
Back to the 9th Symphony. In my opinion, Beethoven wrote this monumental music for the world and not just for the Germanic people. It is literally an “Ode To Man” everywhere. It goes beyond genius in both the music and words. The 9th moves me to tears as it brings to mind the condition of our world today.
I grieve for the young of our world. I feel that technology alone does not hold the answer to what is and what will be. Those of the opposite opinion overlook the importance of dialogue. Are meaningful relationships possible without dialogue? I think not. Any other way of communicating is so much less than dialogue. If that is the case, COMMUNICATION REMAINS THE PROBLEM TO THE ANSWER.
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