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People often call music the universal language. No translation needed. Worldwide, everyone responds to music wordlessly and understands something it conveys through their feelings — happiness, sadness, fear, or something else..
Rather than communicate specific thoughts or ideas, music seems to conjure feelings, emotions, and images in our imagination.
Have you experienced this, too? I do all the time, and I often write about watching people celebrate with music.
This morning I read a wonderful little essay about languages. Discussing the pros and cons of several major languages, it made me think I’d call music the universal language, much more than English, French, German, Mandarin, Spanish, Arabic, Latin, and all the rest.
I found this fascinating article in one of my favorite magazines, and you might enjoy reading it, too. It’s a free online magazine called “Intelligent Life“, and it features thoughtful, well-written articles about nearly every interesting subject you can imagine.
I subscribed by downloading its free iPad app, and I put it on my iPhone, too. Did I mention that it’s free?
Back to wondering: Is music the universal language? Especially for celebrating. Well, I make a living going to weddings and parties, and I rarely attend a wedding that includes no music. (Well, yes, of course, that’s because I’m part of the team that provides wedding music.)
Same with parties, whether they celebrate holidays, personal landmarks, business achievements, or anything else. Even a somber moment to celebrate a life. Music creates the festive mood, bringing everyone together and into the swing of things.
Here we are taking a mid-way break, entertaining at an exciting cocktail party at the Center for Performing Arts, in Mountain View. Attendees are students and faculty at Singularity University, coming from dozens of countries worldwide.
Everyone enjoyed the atmosphere and had a great time! Isn’t music the universal language?
How about YOU? Is music the universal language?
Thanks for reading this article. I appreciate your interest and hope you get a few good ideas here. Got one or two? I'd love to hear what you liked. Please write me a little COMMENT below. Start a conversation -- I'll reply. Promise.
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Meanwhile, the Magnolia Jazz Band entertains at weddings and parties throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. If you are ever nearby, you’ll love catching us in action, seeing and hearing us create a great mood.
How can I help you? Call 408-245-9120 or use Robbie@MagnoliaJazz.com. Planning a celebration? Ask about our availability.
Robbie-
It’s not just celebrations of joy. It can be celebrations of life. A mournful song, wistful and thoughtful, can help bring solace to the loss of a loved one, too!
Thanks for the thoughts.
Thanks, Roy. Excellent point! I agree completely and added a sentence to improve my statement.
I believe you are right. Music seems to cross all cultures.
I remember the first time Ron and I were going to see La Boheme at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion with the New York Metropolitan Opera. I was thinking we won’t understand what’s being said. This was before the teleprompter days of translating the singing from whatever language was being sung. We were both moved to tears or laughter. The messages got through from the music, the jester, the expressions. It was absolutely an amazing performance and seated a few feet away was Beverly Sills who had become the Music Director of the Met.
Julieanne Case
Always from the heart!
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Music is definitely the universal language. I’ve always been fascinated with the effect it has on me. I’ve often wondered how that is.
Music has always been part of my life Robbie. My family used to sing together on trips. We sang and danced around the Christmas tree every year- Danish tradition. I played the piano and am now learning the guitar. When my parents died the music for the memorial was more important than the words that were spoken or the food that was eaten. I love that you help people celebrate their life events that is such a gift for them and for you!