Music, Freedom in Expression

“Music is the language of the spirit.” – Kahlil Gibran

Originality. Since he was in fourth grade, Brian has sat down on the green velvet-covered piano bench and pounded out a tune on an old upright Baldwin.  Sometimes, he belts out lyrics to his beloved songs, or, strums an original “singable” melody with a rich chord progression. Playing by ear and feel, music gives Brian freedom in expression. “Just fingers on the keys and a notion to realize what sounds good and feels right at the time,” he said, describing the process to the music that he loves. It doesn’t matter who’s in the room or what time of the day, Brian’s musical declarations seem to come from deep impulses, callings so personal they seemed to arise from inside him.

Spontaneity. Brian’s moments at the piano are not usually scheduled, but originate from pure, borderless spontaneity. Watching him you observe total freedom in expression where his animal fingers take on lives of their own, racing up and down the keyboard as if in pursuit of each other. He seems to be a bit possessed—his dark eyes wide, then, narrowing to slits, head swaying to some ancient rhythm. The cascading of uninhibited chord progressions follows: notes crescendoing to fortissimo in a wild mix of climactic notes and then, surprising diminuendoes before the next rally begins. A breath, and then, another series, connected in some way to the first, and you feel it. Music speaks its own language, tells its own story, and everyone listening relates in their own way.

Passion. Brian’s music passion seems to be moved by a crisis of feeling, a feeling so strong, so visceral, that he has to act. Expressions of pure physical joy break open on his face when he runs his fingers up and down the ivories, “improvising,” combining old and new harmonies, sometimes resembling honky tonk, rock or jazz melodies. Mostly, though, it’s Brian’s work, his creations. All who are listening are touched, so transcended by his offerings, his rhythms put us deep within his song. The music Brian plays isn’t only for him, but for others who are invited to share in a field of delirious emotion. Like going to a moonlight meadow together.

The power of music grants Brian—all of us who play and love music—unlimited freedom of expression, clearing space for something magical to happen. And it does, tapping into something very personal, deeply meaningful.

If I could read Brian’s mind bubble when he’s at the piano, it might say: “Whoa! This is it. I’m taking off! Come along with me.” – Becky

Exercise for Living Creatively:

How has music stirred you, opened your eyes and taken you–momentarily–to another place?

How do you describe passion, the relentless pursuit of something you love?

What can you do to have more passion?