This is an English translation of an article published in Nikkan San on October 3, 2019, as a part of my column, “The Way of the Pianist.
「Change happens by listening…」said Jane Goodall, famous for her groundbreaking studies of primates by having lived among them since the 1950’s. Goodall stood alongside Greta Thunberg (16) of Sweden and other climate change activists at the UN Climate Action Summit last month pleading the policy makers to take actions.
Today, people are set on solving every tangible inconvenience with the power of technology, military and economy. But by so doing, we are breaking the harmony of the universe, and destroying nature’s equilibrium. Things break, we age and die…we know our mortality and yet we do everything in our eyes to resist the course of nature. We seem to have forgotten to seek solace from challenges that come with life in our spirituality, empathy and creativity. The important thing is not GDP, convenience, health quotient, or longevity, but power of love, conviction, empathy and appreciation – that is what I promote, with everything I do as Dr. Pianist, raising awareness to the power of aurality and of music.
Last week, I attended the National Organization for Arts in Health conference in Boston. Everywhere in the world, medical communities are incorporating art for its healing power. It reduces the stress level, not only for the patients but their family members and medical staff. It reduces the prescription of pain medication, and the days patients stay at hospitals. Health care is human care – not a place to treat disease.
As “Dr. Pianist” I am in the business of human care, too. Let the power of music heal us all.
I am very fond of Makiko Hirata, since meeting her in 1998 and admiring her performances. So glad to have reconnected with her and I endorse what she says in the pursuit of health through music. I once told a doctor that I could not feel depressed while listening to Hungarian Gypsy Music, but that is certainly not the only therapeutic music.
“Of course,” the doctor commented. “Music makes changes in the brain”. Makiko Hirata also taught me a Chopin phrase with only half note sequences. This connection between the black notes and the white note directly under it expressed depression, I think she told me. (Correct me if I am not remembering accurately.) NOW, does the expression of this depressive sequence EXPRESS, and therefore wash away the player/hearer
s own depression? Or does it create depression? I think it is the former, because I feel a mild exaltation as I listen…
Thank you so much!I remember our exchange on Stella Solaris very well. It means so much to hear from you, and have you comment on my page.
Thank you so much for reconnecting. Let the power of music heal us all!
I do not know whether it’s just me or if everybody else encountering issues with your site.
It appears as though some of the written text
within your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them as well?
This may be a issue with my web browser because I’ve had this happen before.
Many thanks
So sorry for the problems you are having. Let me get back to you on this.
Have you ever considered writing an e-book or guest authoring
on other blogs? I have a blog based on the
same information you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would value your work.
If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail.
Katrin – I tried checking our blog out at Margo2blog.site, but the link was broken. I now follow a “Katrin Wilcox” on Instagram – I think it’s you.
Sorry it took me several days to reply to this comment. I hope you will read it as I AM interested in your suggestions!
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