Sweet Spots

There is only one real happiness in life, and that is the happiness of creating.

 — Frederick Delius

Although born in England, Delius spent almost all of his adult creative life in France and Germany. His style reflects the recognizable, pastoral meanderings of other late-nineteenth century English composers such as Stanford, Vaughan-Williams, and Parry. However, the primary German and French influences – Wagner and Chopin – taught him important lessons in melody expansion and development. Delius was an intentional student and, perhaps because he didn’t begin his musical studies until late in his 20’s, his style developed uniquely from the breadth and depth of experiences he had with the major composers in Leipzig and Paris. Many of his contemporaries recognized his gift, including Grieg, who finally convinced Delius’ father to allow him to embrace composition full-time. read more…

Can music make us better people? Clearly, Handel wrote with this purpose in mind; he believed it was possible to write music that would inspire and transform. Handel’s many works based on scripture have had profound effects on generations of musicians and audiences. The Messiah is one of the most well-known choral works in the repertoire, with hundreds of performances every year. It’s sublime movements can definitely change and move our hearts in ways that are both unexpected and long-lasting.

If you were to agree that music can make us better people, which pieces would you add to the list of candidates? From any genre and generation, what music makes you aspire to be a better person, opens your heart, or moves far beyond simple entertainment? From Handel’s oeuvre, the works on this week’s playlist definitely inspire me. From the glorious, soaring harmonies and timbre of the violins in Zadok the Priest, to the counterpoint and relentlessness of Messiah’s Amen, Handle’s music goes far beyond entertainment for those who have ears open. read more…