“Without
music, life would be a mistake” These were the words spoken by German
philosopher and poet; Friedrich Nietzsche.
After
the end of World War two, Composer and Conductor Igor Markevitch created the
the Jeunesses Musicales World Orchestra as a symbol of hope. In 1950 the U.S
State Department promoted jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong to
create cross cultural understanding in the middle of a cold war between the
Americans and Russians. In 1958 despite his enemy status by the Russians
American Pianist Van Cliburn won the first International Tchaikovsky Piano
Competition in Moscow and became and adorned figure in Russia. And in 1964
renowed cellist Mstislav Rostropovich played the notes Bach’s Suite No 2 of the
praising God for the “miracle” in remembrance of the fall of the Berlin Wall
which occurred in 1989.
The
Ninth Symphony by Beethoven which hailed to be the National Anthem of the
European Union had a statement to be made which avowed freedom for the
declaration in favor of universal brotherhood. This hidden thread of art became
Beethoven’s work for the quest for freedom both politically and expressively.
And Freedom of mind and Spirit. Beethoven chose to adapt and recreate “Ode to
Joy” or "An die Freude" written by Schiller. This Chorale celebrated
the joyous melody when all men became brothers. The Motto of the European Union
being “United in Diversity” one can understand that the use of this Symphony to
be the national anthem apt quite well to the twelve star flag of the Union.
Classical
Music became a muse in the promotion of peace and hope for the international
arena in times of war and conflict as well as during the bountiful epoch of
Peace and harmony. Music is the art and language of the feelings, the
sentiments, the spiritual instincts of the soul and so becomes a universal
language tending to unite, blend and harmonize all who may come within its
sphere. No culture can exist without the form of Music. That is the truth. This
has been a fundamental component for society. Wherever people gather to
celebrate, mourn or participate life, music becomes a creation for ceremony and
community. The pitch and rhythm which resonate in the design of the human
auditory system cause people from different cultures to organize their music in
much the same way. Tonal music and specific musical figures signify a certain
emotion. The use of this kind of code becomes an essential feature of musical
communication.
Plato
said that musical training is a powerful instrument than any other because
rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul, on which
they mightily fasten, imparting grace. This makes the soul of him who is
rightly educated graceful, or of him who is ill-educated ungraceful. It was
recognized to have influence over emotions, morals and beliefs. It became a
comparison to the harmonious adjustment which is essential to the whole of
human life and the world.
The
Fourth Symphony by Beethoven is a piece written not only as a means of escape
from the world. The Symphony provided a lesson of patience and humility.
Barenboim, defined it as the potential to express human experience and teach
people about their humanity. The violinist Yehudin Mehudin considered classical
music as an art that could structure the personalities of young people with a
view to open their minds, to instill the respect of others and the desire of
peace. Music is the only pure art of expressing emotions. The capacity that
this brings could convey the deepest emotions and create a sense of belonging
to a unity. It is often performed at social gatherings and when at a concert or
listening to music with a group we become aware that we are sharing a common
experience. The UNESCO World Report Investing in Cultural Diversity and
Intercultural Dialogue defines music as a pathway in cultural attitudes that
leads from awareness to curiosity, to discover and hopefully ultimately leading
to tolerance.
This
silent language became a tool for interculture intertwining with diplomacy. It
brings people and organizations together. To assist nations in peace building
with the world. Here music and musicians becomes the person of promoting shared
values, mutual respect and understanding amidst differences. It becomes the
communication between the government people of other race and caste.
This
use of this soft power helps people the ability to look out and see the world
as many would see it and to also allow the possibility that others may see
something that one would’ve not seen. This smart power becomes a special
superpower in international relations. This relationship is built equally and
not seen as a one way street. These actors are an important element for
advocacy as they become an influence in power, to democratize the structure of
world politics and use this influence for change in individual nation states.
As
a messenger of peace for the United Nations American musician Yo Yo, the
founder of the Silk Road Project teaches musicians from diverse cultures to
listen and improvise with each other. This way dialogue is created and young
musicians would arrive at a common focus point. When one makes music take the
place of speeches and peace talks, there would be hope that at least this
contribution would have a small part to play even when diplomacy has failed.
Though
economics and politics have one solved or rather analyzed the platform of
international relations. Musicologists now are the blooming contributors to
this platform that allows studying to how music was produced and why they were
created. In the 17th century, the origin of opera required diplomats some
musical training. This was taught to illustrate discipline and elegance.
For
these Musicians are creating melodies for social change. As it is memorable and
effect leaders to a certain extent. To improve human relations is thus the main
goal as that without voices; melody can still make change to the world. It is a
language of emotions and it has the capacity to express emotions from the composer
to the audience. It is an importance to diplomacy, as music is the nerve tissue
for the heart of humanity and the Soul.
Yashika Mahamalage
The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and not the institutional views of the BIDTI, nor do they necessarily reflect the position of any other institution or individual with which the author is affiliated.
Yashika Mahamalage
The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and not the institutional views of the BIDTI, nor do they necessarily reflect the position of any other institution or individual with which the author is affiliated.
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