It’s all around us, the universal love of music. Somehow, the sound of music resonates with all animal life forms. Some even claim that plant life responds as well. Our communication technology has exposed us to multiple examples that have passed unnoticed before. The elephants that calmly listen to the man playing the piano for them. The herd of cows that rushes to the fence to attend a private concert performed with a violin, accordion, or another instrument. Birds, dogs, cats, wild animals – all seem to be mesmerized by the sound of music.
And, of course, humans who produce the music.
So, what does this mean?
Once we accept the fact that there is an infinite collection of sensations, stimuli, and states of existence that occur outside our earthly, human experience, we may be on the path to understanding and appreciating the impact of music.
The evidence is all around us.
Begin with the simplest of rhythms – the beat of a drum. All across the world, throughout history and in every culture, the rhythmic cadence of perfectly timed percussion instruments appears to be of universal appeal. Whether tapping fingers on a tabletop or tapping feet, the impulse to engage in “keeping time” is instinctual. Could that instinct be a response to a natural heartbeat of the universe?
Another common experience is the connection between a musical melody and an emotion. The melody of a romantic song revives an emotional response, long after the lyrics are forgotten. Likewise, the somber music of a funeral service may bring tears when heard again, long after the event.
The inspiring music of a marching band or the soaring, dramatic score of a dramatic movie stirs up an emotional response that has no logical explanation.
Why is it that the string of notes in a pleasant melody lingers in our memory, while a mismatched series of notes grates on our senses? Why do we continually seek out new variations of music? Why do we enjoy music? Why do animals enjoy music?
Perhaps the answers lie in an understanding and acceptance that we occupy a limited bubble inside a state of existence so foreign that we have no name for it. We also seem to have no direct sensory evidence of our connection to that state of existence.
Unless.
Unless music is the language, however fundamental, to communicate with and understand that state of existence. Perhaps music and emotion are linked and are the keys to engaging with that mysterious and unknowable realm we are destined to inhabit after our tour of duty on earth is completed.