LESSON 19.
If, as has been said, the purpose of words is to conceal thought, then it may be equally as well said that the purpose of Music is to reveal soul.
I don’t suppose that there is a human being alive but that longs to be “understood.” There are all too few in this world who are willing to give the time and thought and heart to the understanding of others. And even if there were a greater willingness to understand, too few of us are able to express our deepest thoughts in words.
But Music is the Universal Language. Once we learn it, the tips of our hearts creep out through the tips of our fingers. There may be no one to hear. Perhaps no one would understand even if they were about. But the blessed, joyous part of it all is that at last we have found self expression, and that is the next best thing to being understood.
Remember that the composers of the ages have been talking through this language of soul in all that they have written. As you play a piece of music, you therefore have two tasks to perform. You must strive to pass on the message that the Masters left, and you must interweave with it your own inner self. That is what is meant by interpretation and expression.
You should study to be a good listener as well as a good player, if you are to be a real Musician. Hear all of the beautiful music that you can, whether it be on your instrument or on some other. Music is bigger than any specific means for expressing it, and with you,Musicshould be the first consideration.
The Exercises this week are 9, 14, 23, and 31.