The Service at St Andrew’s this Sunday will be an extra musical one. Several people will talk about a hymn or spiritual song that has a significant meaning for them. We will learn to sing an old gospel song and our Sunday musician will weave some choices of favourite hymn tunes into the music we listen to.
I have been reflecting on the magic of music and the important roles it plays in our lives especially its connection with our health and well-being. Research shows that music can improve blood flow, stimulate memories, increase physical stamina and reduce stress.
While googling recently came across a list of inspirational quotes about music. “What oft was thought but ne’er so well expressed” ( Alexander Pope) I thought as I read them, so I share some with you.
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” – Plato
“Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.” – Leonard Bernstein
“My idea is that there is music in the air, music all around us; the world is full of it, and you simply take as much as you require.” – Edward Elgar
“If you have to ask what jazz is, you’ll never know.” – Louis Armstrong
“As long as we live there is never enough singing.” Martin Luther
“How is it that music can, without words, evoke our laughter, our fears, our highest aspirations?” Jane Swan
“If music be the food of love, play on.” – William Shakespeare
Too many pieces of music finish too long after the end. Igor Stravisnsky
Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without. Confucius
So do join us this Sunday for a dose of dopamine (the mood elevator) a surge of serotonin ( the mood stabilizer) and some high moments to heighten our sense of belonging and connection.
Rosemary Lawrence
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