Music Speaks to Our Common Humanity
James Yannatos' statement
The events of September 11th were horrific, touching all people of good will. The senseless tragedy, loss of life, and devastated families are a sorrow beyond our imagination. While we in the arts community each attempt to deal with our emotional response to the events, we must not act in haste. Yes, we were attacked, and as patriotic Americans we would like to see justice done. But our patriotism shouldn't cloud the fact that we are part of a larger world in which many people suffer hardship, tragedy, and oppression every day.
Our individual and collective involvement in art should help us find some emotional equilibrium - help us to work through our pain. But we need to share our art with others to show that life, beauty, and compassion are the fruits of art that can nourish and sustain us all. It can help us to see and share our humanness - our common humanity.
The Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra, which I direct, was fortunate to be rehearsing Tchaikovsky's 6th Symphony (The Pathetique) in our first rehearsal on September 13th. This was a helpful catharsis for us but also a way to remember those who lost their lives on September 11th.
As we steep ourselves in music, we try to spread it in any way we can. Music of the past and present speaks to our common humanity no matter what particular country gave it birth. We need to think of all those who suffer here and everywhere and heal when we can with life-giving activity in the arts.
James Yannotos is a Senior Lecturer on Music in the Department of Music,
Harvard University.
