Two things have had a big effect on me recently, both of which are related to the arts.
First, I listened to some of the music being composed for the upcoming The Secret Marathon documentary. It was quite haunting in parts and set the tone and enhanced the atmosphere of the film footage. Second was a set of photographs taken by our son Calum, in Wales. He had taken them at a 10-km race and showed the various range of emotions experienced by runners both during and after the event.
Of the broad spectrum of art created in the world, the pieces that move us to tears or laughter can remain with us for a lifetime.
I know there are certain pieces of music that can make me want to get up and dance and others that can bring tears to my eyes. Some tunes remind me of my youth and others of people I’ve known. There are many books, both fiction and non-fiction that have had a profound effect on me. I enjoy visiting museums and art galleries where I’m often intrigued by some of the pieces that qualify as art.
It’s good to try new things and so, on my last trip to Cuba, I took my wife to the National Ballet to see its rendition of Don Quixote – it was a wonderful performance. I was amazed at the strength and athleticism of the dancers. I would definitely go to another ballet.
I love to listen to Italian opera singer, songwriter, and record producer, Andrea Bocelli. Celine Dion has said that "If God would have a singing voice, he must sound a lot like Andrea," and record producer, David Foster, often describes Bocelli's voice as the most beautiful in the world. I was lucky enough to see Andrea Bocelli, in a one-night-only concert, in Las Vegas and both Sue and I were greatly moved by his magnificent voice. I’ve never been to an opera, but intend to do so in the near future.
Here are some suggestions of ways you might like to broaden your experience of the arts:
• Visit an art gallery.
• Listen to a new genre of music.
• Attend a ballet performance.
• Draw or paint a picture.
• Learn to play an instrument.
• Attend an art lecture.
• See an inspirational film.
Even if you do not get around to doing most of these things maybe you could put some of them on your “to do” list. You might even consider creating your own piece of art, alone or with a friend or family member. In the words of essayist, Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Every artist was first an amateur.”
© 2019 Martin Parnell
www.martinparnell.com
