Tuesday, March 26, 2013

When I Read Homer


THE ETUDE MUSIC MAGAZINE – August, 1927

                “When I read Homer I look at myself to see if I am not twenty feet in height,” said Michael Angelo.
                We often think that great music has a corresponding effect upon its hearers.  Who can hear the thrilling Beethoven “Fifth Symphony,” the Chopin Sonatas, The Brahms “First Symphony,” the Verdi “Requiem,” without experiencing that peculiar sensation of being exalted to spiritual and even physical altitudes, which rarely seems to come through any other source.
                The stirring strains of a fine band have a similar psychological effect.  Watch a crowd of Americans as they listen to a body of skilled players marching down the street to the music of Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever,” “Semper Fidelis,” or his recent march triumph, “Power and Glory.”  Watch them throw back their shoulders.  Watch the rich red blood come to their cheeks.  Watch their chests expand.  Life has a new purpose, a new vision.  The sense of integrity, of patriotism, of valor, of honor is exalted.  They actually seem to grow taller, happier, stronger, more alert, and in every way finer human beings.
                We know from interminable demonstrations by psychologists and educators that music properly studied makes for better citizenship.  That is one of the reasons why The Etude Music Magazine has circulated over twenty-five million times its forceful slogan,

                MUSIC STUDY EXALTS LIFE


7 comments:

  1. good job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<3

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  2. I love looking at art and reading a good book but neither of those things ever gives me goose bumps the way an amazing piece of music does.
    Love and hugs,
    Your devoted sister

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  3. What an interesting editorial, so true too! Can't wait to see what else you have in store for us!

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  4. Guess who we are.

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  5. Hmmm...sounds like a couple of impish Miss J's! <3

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  6. Oh what a fun blog! But what else would I expect from one, who as a child, sang more than she talked.

    This article was quite interesting. (I love the writing.) There have been a lot of studies about the connection between the brain and music. Saw a PBS program about this very subject and it was fascinating. Read also that studies show that those who listen to music while exercising will work harder and longer. I have some great books about music and how it effects us - I'll loan them to you if you like.

    Like music, your graphics also evoke a certain mood. Looking forward to the next entries!

    Avec une chanson à mon coeur,
    Hugs,
    Mom

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    1. I would be interested in borrowing your books. Thank you!

      Je t'aime, Maman!
      Jessica

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