No theme have I known,
Though I hear pitches
Of silver and gold.
Confusion wins the day.

One question I have held onto was spoken by a good friend about two years ago:

"Why is it that musicians do not understand that the harmony of the music they play (ideally speaking) is a significant image for them to understand?"

My response right now is that no one points it out to them. The imagination is not exercised.

It is true that poetic mysticism looks like a waste of time in the face of pragmatism, and pragmatism looks unromantic in the face of mysticism.

Neither will work if we want a life lived in accord with Truth. My aim here, in this blog, is to tie the worlds together in word.

But at the end of the day if I am to have any respect for myself I will then live with integrity, by God's grace.

"Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

This musician was disturbed by a jukebox, for its song was forced upon his ears, affecting his body and soul. He was not in harmony with the song and a subtle dissonance arose. It hurt him.

"Leave that place to find concord within and without."

To the trees he went, whose accompanying benches let him sit to find rest. A book tempted the musician, it was even silver with a tree, but he could not read.

"Not yet."

He sat and his eyes grew fond of something. He saw a million small leaves, the slim branches which traced their inner ends, and the bark which seemed to have paths to travel, all friendly to one another. He then heard the breeze play through the leaves, both singing sweetly. It seemed to the musician that he should stay...

After much listening to the harmony of the tree, he looked upon the ground to see the words:

"By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

How could this be here? the musician asked. Unity seemed to be lost with these words. In hope, need, and love he looked elsewhere.

"I am the Light of the world. Seek the pleasurable harmony among Men, for if your soul delights in the trees and the wind you will find joy in the Music of Lords and Servants."

Then the musician was tuned to the harmony of where he now sat, with the leaves, branches, bark, Atonement, and Light. Satisfied, he immediately got up and walked to the Conservatory to play his part.

This blog is dedicated to the divination that a training in classical music, through composition, conducting, performance, and education prepares one to understand the deeper things of life.

Instrumental people I must thank by their wisdom and encouragement: Dr. Reynolds, Director of the Torrey Honors Institute at Biola University, Dr. Browning of the Biola Conservatory of Music, Dr. Geier of the University of Rochester, Andy Ferguson, and Nancy Pearcy.

Timothy Motte, Eric Holloway, Eddie Sywulka, and Kevin Phillips I thank for bearing with me.

I also dedicate this to my fellow musicians in Crowell Hall of Biola University. They are most likely to understand my musings and from the beginning I have wanted to travel with them through dialogue. Though time passes swiftly for us and dialogue is very rare, I hope some of you will listen up.