As we welcome this shift into the spring season, I think of Easter oratorios such as J.S. Bach’s St. Mathew’s Passion, or Handel’s Messiah. These are masterpieces without a doubt! The incredible work ethic involved in their creation should be enjoyed and admired as such, but not at the expense of the natural practice of making music for ourselves.
The masters such as Bach, Beethoven and Mozart lived in a time of incredible musical evolution, making it a competitive time to be a musician! Composers in the 16th and 17th centuries literally sacrificed their lives to the craft of composing music. They were hunched over candlelit pianos dreaming of notes, patterns, rhythms and harmonies. They were notating it all with a quill and ink for hours every day, in turn losing their sight, hearing and overall health. Thankfully, the world will be eternally grateful to enjoy music at this level of expertise.
Bach’s incredible harmonies were so intricate and difficult to perform, his fellow musicians and choir members were sometimes very frustrated. Frustrated enough for a physical fight between Bach and a Bassoonist in the market square! To add insult to injury, the local press also insisted Bach compose simpler music for everyone to be able to perform and enjoy.
Not long after Bach passed away, and with the Baroque period ending, Beethoven and Mozart became a part of the Classical period in which they composed pieces with intense and beautiful melodies. However, these are still incredible masterpieces which are difficult to recreate in the family home without hours of daily practice.
Unless a family had time and money to dedicate their learning to this type of music, the simple and fun ‘family music hour’ slowly started to disappear in Europe and beyond. Music performance was unfortunately reserved for those who could practice every day, for hours at a time. Before these incredible masters came along, everyone performed and enjoyed simple and fun melodies in their homes. Musicality has always been a natural and innate part of being human.
Whether its simple melodies or intricate harmonies, music is a wonderful skill that can be practiced anywhere from 5 minutes to 5 hours a day. From singing in the car, tapping out rhythms on our laps, playing fun melodies on the piano or joining the school band, the emotional, spiritual, academic and physical benefits are enormous and last a lifetime.
There have been generations of young people turned off from music lessons due to past elitist attitudes and stigma. However, just as many have been inspired by the incredible change in their lives, once music made an impact. Thankfully, I see so many young parents and students who are excited about music lessons today. They know with just 5-10 minutes of practice a day, music will take hold and become a joyful and fulfilling part of their lives.
Playing an instrument is a skill not unlike hockey, painting or yoga. People generally don’t compare themselves to Rembrandt or Michelangelo when they attend an art class, nor do we compare ourselves to Gretzky or Sidney Crosby when we attend a skating lesson. Thankfully, our resident BCCA Yogi Master Lily doesn’t judge us when we have no idea if our third eye is higher than our sternums!
Just remember to enjoy your own musical journey without comparing yourself to Bach, Beethoven or Mozart. They had their own journey, now this is yours.
Listening Recommendations:
Lay down, close your eyes and let your brain soak it up! It will make every part of your body feel joy and relaxation.
- W.A. Mozart’s Piano Sonata no. 16 in C Major K545 Andante
- Beethoven’s Pathetique Sonata 2nd movement
Or…Get in your car, drive down the highway and turn it up loud! Your brain will love you for it, and I can ensure
an emotional high from the multiple harmonies setting your brain on fire!
- J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto no. 2 – 1st movement
- J.S. Bach’s Invention 13 in A minor
