Musical Notes

Author: Zhao Lihong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: The forms of music are diverse. It can be said that the richer the scenes in the world, the richer the music; the more intricate the emotions in the world, the more intricate the music. Music is like a spark, capable of igniting the passion hidden in the heart; music is like flowing water, capable of breaking open the of closed emotions; music is like the wind. The soul immersed in music is like petals in the wind, being carried to a trance of beauty.
This is a collection of essays about music. It is the echo of music in the heart of a music lover. This is a collection of essays about music. It is the echo of music in the heart of a music lover.
In my childhood, I also dreamed of becoming a musician. However, this was merely a dream. Throughout my life, which has not been entirely smooth, music has always been my loyal companion. When I felt lonely, music showed me the beauty of the world; when I was agitated, music calmed me; when my emotions were dim, music was like sunshine, illuminating my heart.
Many years ago, in an essay describing memories, I once described music like this: "Music transforms the complex and subtle emotions of humanity and the rich and winding experiences into invisible notes, which resonate in the unseen. They caress, touch, strike, and even tear at your soul, restoring tranquility to a restless heart, moistening a dry field, or stirring ripples of wonder in a calm mind. Music makes no demands on the listener. It merely resonates in the space, yet you can turn this resonance into wings, planting them in your own heart, and then soar, flying to the realm you desire, a realm that other arts cannot reach. Music is free, yet it is everywhere. What memory can be more profound, more enduring, and more lasting than the memory of music? This memory does not lose its color with the passage of time. When you are enveloped in solitude, the ability to open this treasure trove of memories is a great fortune."
This description comes from my innermost feelings. Music has accompanied my life's journey. The forms of music are diverse. It can be said that the richer the scenes in the world, the richer the music; the more intricate the emotions in the world, the more intricate the music. Music is like a spark, capable of igniting the passion hidden in the heart; music is like flowing water, capable of breaking open the of closed emotions; music is like the wind. The soul immersed in music is like petals in the wind, being carried to a trance of beauty.
My love for music began in childhood. Even then, I dreamed of becoming a musician as an adult. Although this dream did not come true, I do not regret it now. Because, being a music lover, a free music appreciator, may be happier than being a professional musician. Just like a gourmand, they don’t necessarily have to cook in the kitchen. The famous chefs who make a living cooking are always surrounded by the scents of oil, salt, vinegar, and soy sauce, cooking delicious dishes yet often unable to savor their beauty. As a diner, however, they are much luckier. The world’s delicacies are made for them. I think music is similar. When music lovers are immersed in the beautiful melodies offered by composers to the world, the composers are busy discerning whether the instrumentation and harmony are correct, while the musicians are scrutinizing the conductor’s gestures, the pianist’s fingerwork, and the trumpet’s tone. With a free heart, to appreciate and listen to music, it will splash crystal-clear ripples in the soul. Music is like an invisible hand, plucking the emotional strings in the heart of a music lover. The echoes of music and the vibrations of the strings intertwine to create a magical melody. No one can repeat such a melody. The world has as many music lovers as there are different echoes and vibrations.
In recent years, I have written some short essays about music under the title "Notes on Listening to Music" (published by Shanghai Ci Shu Press) in the supplements of several newspapers, which have attracted the attention of many music lovers. In my writings, there is my love and understanding of music, but this is not a critique from a musician, but rather the surprise, intoxication, and reflection that a music lover experiences because of music—it is just one of the countless echoes and vibrations. To live in a world filled with beautiful music is a blessing for humanity. To express one’s thoughts on music through one’s own words is also a joy for a writer. I hope that readers who share my love for music can share my joy.