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The Artistic Elegance in Diplomacy



“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.

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