“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ― Plato

In this time of the pandemic, live concerts and performances have been canceled. Music-halls, theatres, and concert venues lie in silence, like ghost towns. What I miss more than going out to eat or baseball games or festivals is live music. It is through music that my emotions are given voice and moods are guided through their life on the wings of song and lyric.

Yet, there is evidence of how music cannot be silenced.  Early in the course of the pandemic, people sang from their balconies in Italy and New York and across nations. Zoom choruses were created and broadcast.  Many musicians such as Mary Chapin Carpenter and Norah Jones have posted live songs recorded in their homes. My great-niece is having clarinet lessons via zoom and enjoying learning her instrument despite not being able to be with others in the band yet.

It is always soothing to my soul to hear music and to observe and photograph musicians performing.  There is not only the music, but the musician almost gets taken over by some lyrical spirit; an energy of its own. Capturing this energy is the challenge of photography. Often the lighting conditions are not favorable.  In non-pandemic times, crowds can be in the way. It takes practice and patience to capture the essence of the music and musician. 

Recently I was gifted with a live performance, socially distanced, of course, by a talented young violinist, Marina. A mask could not hide the spirit in which she played. The angst of a pandemic faded into the background as her beautiful song filled the air and carried me away.

As a photographer, I also observe the responses of others as they listen to music. Sometimes pushed to dance, sometimes shouting lyrics, and sometimes I have observed a couple carried into their romance by music.  A precious witness to the power of music as it expresses emotion and creates a mood.

Lost in Love Listening to Music

So, until next time, I leave with this lyric from Aerosmith.
 

“Sing with me, sing for the year
Sing for the laughter, sing for the tear
Sing with me now, just for today
Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away