If I’ve had a true passion for nearly all of my life, it’s music. The high decibel kinds above all. I may be at least 20 years past my prime, but I still like to fill my body regularly with driving beats and pounding drums and merciless sonic assaults. Yeah, hard rock, wailing jazz and raucous blues are very alright with this boy.
Having said that, I now will wimp out by adding that, often when I’m listening to music, I don’t care to be blasted into outer space. My constitution ain’t that far from the delicate side, so there’s a limit to how many wham-bam vibrations I can healthfully deal with. That’s why I keep at hand a welcome mat for mellow music. Hell, mellow is like Jell-O, right? There’s always room for Jell-O.
And I don’t mean that in a slighting way. Not at all. Sure, aggressive music is what you turn to when you need to shimmy and shake, when you’ve got to let the lava flow.
But music on the calmer side of the spectrum can work wonders too. Everybody knows that. How many more shoulder knots and jaws half-frozen in the clenched position would there be in the world were it not for the likes of James Taylor, Alicia Keys and Willie Nelson? A lot.
But you know what? Music, whatever its intensity level will, if you’re lucky, do something far better than what I mention above. Namely, transport you to purer realms. For me, I find that it works in different ways, depending on the nature of what I’m listening to. When it comes to hard-driving music, long solos from electric guitars (and, less frequently, from other instruments) sometimes capture me. I’ll close my eyes, find the gentle currents underlying the musicians’ explorations, and in moments will be hopelessly at ease, happily drifting in the ethers. These are out-of-body experiences, natural highs.
Calmer music, on the other hand, doesn’t bring me outside myself. What it does at times, though, is open a space within me that I ordinarily am out of touch with. This is a peaceful place. The noise of the world isn’t there. I settle into it and then let beautiful sounds wash over me.
What’s the difference between the two types of phenomena? Well, the first involves awe, meaning that I can barely believe the sweep of the magic carpet ride, nor my good fortune in occupying lofty regions in the first place. When the ride ends I find it hard to decompress.
Awe, however, doesn’t enter the picture in scenario number two, a more down-to-earth experience. It’s similar to when I’m in a museum, checking out this and that work of art, and meet a piece that immediately captivates me. Scenario number two isn’t as astonishing as its sibling, but it’s damn well good enough. The more smitten we are by the world around us, the better.
Naturally, I would like to add specific musical examples of both forms of enchantment to this story. But in a sense that would be cheating. You see, when I first sat down to compose the present piece, I didn’t anticipate that it would squirm around, mutate and head in the directions that it has. Awe wasn’t part of the original story idea. Any further mention of magic carpet rides will therefore wait for another day. Instead, I will say a few words about the two numbers, both of them members of the calmer side of the musical spectrum, that originally were meant to center and anchor that which you’re now reading. They struck me just right when I heard them, stopping me in my tracks to bask in their fineness.
I haven’t been to any concerts in the past week, but at home and in the car I’ve imbibed plenty of music. Many genres, many levels of intensity. As good as much of the music was, only Mother Earth, by the American bluesman Memphis Slim, and Piano Sonata No. 13 in E-flat major, by Ludwig van Beethoven (as performed by André Watts), separated themselves from the pack.
I was in the bathroom late at night brushing my teeth when Mother Earth came over the airwaves. I’ll be damned if I didn’t put down the toothbrush and listen hard. The song, a commentary on mortality, possesses a deep soul and unaffected beauty that can’t be denied or resisted. Memphis Slim, who wrote Mother Earth, recorded more than one version of the song. The one that I heard was the first, from 1951. Here it is. That’s Slim on vocals and piano.
Memphis Slim (born 1915, died 1988) was a big talent. He had what it takes when it comes to singing, piano playing and composing. And Ludwig van Beethoven (born 1770, died 1827) was no slouch either — What, you mean that’s common knowledge?
I’m making a heretical statement, however, when I say that Beethoven is not among my very favorite classical composers. For example, I’ll take Haydn, Bach and Sibelius over him. But Piano Sonata No. 13, which Ludwig wrote during 1800 and 1801? Man, its grace goes straight to the heart. I was sitting on the living room sofa when I heard it on the radio a few days after putting down my toothbrush for Memphis Slim. After the first three notes I was convinced that it is something special. Several listenings later, I still feel that way.
Goodbye till next time, gentle readers. Please don’t be shy about adding your comments or about sharing this essay. Mucho gracias. And, oh yeah, here’s the first movement of Piano Sonata No. 13:
Yeah, Another Blogger 
“Calmer music, on the other hand, doesn’t bring me outside myself. What it does at times, though, is open a space within me that I ordinarily am out of touch with. This is a peaceful place.”
Bach does that for me…. and Sarah Vaughn.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Hey there, Cindy. I’m with you on Sarah. She was a great singer.
LikeLike
Good music can come from all places so I’m not surprised at all.
That said, I’m intrigued why out of Beethoven’s 32 choices you went with no. 13. It is not one of the amazing late works, nor, one of the named sonatas (Waldstein, Moonlight, etc.) and in many ways it still reflects the early Beethoven. Is it the contrast between the slow beginning and the rapid parts of the first movement? Is it the relatively unconventional form (after all, this is called “sonata quasi una fantasia”)? Or anything completely different?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi there. Good to hear from you. I’m anything but a Beethoven expert or a classical music expert. I can’t compare his sonatas, because I don’t know enough about them. My reason for placing No. 13 in this story is that I heard it on the radio and loved it. Ditto for the song by Memphis Slim.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sounds perfect to me! It is great that there are still radio stations around that allow music discovery!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Neil, That piece resonated so well…beautifully written and felt. What a darker place the world would be without music. Sadly, an immediate neighbour, aged only 71 died of sepsis just a month ago and she had admitted to not liking music. I thought her passing sadder still in that she had never experienced the emotions that music brings forth. Conversely, my husband of 91 wouldn’t want to live without it. As a little boy, he listened to the radio a lot and, oddly, for one so young, adored opera and dreamed of being an opera star…What happened? He couldn’t sing, so just a tad difficult. His tastes widened and broadened, and as I share his love of music. our journey’s been a mostly harmonious, joyous one. Give us Sarah Vaughn, ‘Ella,’ Rimsky, Bernstein, Mozart, Puccini, Shostakovich and the soulful guitar music of Rodrigues (?) Concerto de Aranjuez – do listen…plus much jazz and blues…and we’re away.. Take care. Happy listening. x
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hello, Joy. Music makes the world more tolerable, that’s for sure. Coincidentally, another person who added some comments (Cindy Knoke) also mentioned Sarah Vaughn as one of her favorites.
Take care. See you!
LikeLike
Couldn’t get through the day without music. I’m traveling around India right now, recruiting for my university – yesterday I arrived late at a hotel and in the lobby I heard “Chim chim cherre” from Mary Poppins, a Disney tune and not exactly Beethoven or Memphis blues, but I actually liked that tune when I was a kid, and it was somehow very nice to hear it again, even at 1 o’clock in the morning feeling pretty beat, gave me a lift. I like that Memphis Slim tune, too, they should have had Julie Andrews do that one in the movie.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Julie would have knocked Mother Earth out of the ball park! (maybe)
LikeLiked by 1 person
The more smitten we are by the world around us, the better.
I agree. Hadn’t thought of that before, but I live it to the best of my abilities.
As for classical music, I was immersed in it as a child and, like you, might not be the biggest fan of Beethoven. I like Bach and Vivaldi the best. I don’t know anything about Memphis Slim, but Robert Cray gets me in a good groove. Or Nina Simone. Like her, too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah, Nina Simone was great. Are you familiar with Skip James or Howlin’ Wolf? They are two of my favorite blues musicians.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, I don’t know them. I’m not very fluent in music. Just know who I’ve heard and liked.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful post, wonderful music! You have written beautifully about the power of art.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a lot, Laurie. Appreciated!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great article, Neil. And I can relate, except I can often be awed by both hard-driving and calm music (e.g. Joni Mitchell’s music is fairly calm, but leaves me awe-struck). I wish I had your ear for classical music, though. As much as I admire the greats, like Beethoven, I’m afraid my ears aren’t sophisticated enough. Guess I need a “Classical Music for Dummies” course!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Classical isn’t my number one genre, that’s for sure. But I get into a lot of it — I like the textures, the harmonies, etc.
LikeLike
You remind me why I used to love music. I still do, it’s just in the background of my consciousness. Sibelius–a winner. Even Mozart I love (I’m a violinist).
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi. Mozart was amazing. A true genius.
LikeLike
I throughly enjoy music from morning TIL night…and also diverse genres…I played flute and guitar once ☺️🤓💫 smiles Hedy 🎼 also loving Springsteen’s new works
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey there, Hedy. You’ve heard Springsteen’s new album? If so, how high do you rate it? I’ve heard only one track from it.
LikeLike
Well I listen to western stars on Spotify and I think his works are sweet and loving 🎼💙 I’ve always appreciated his works but this one seems tender…I enjoy it very much 🤓
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll have to listen to this album. Overall, he has been one of my favorite musicians.
LikeLike
I enjoyed both pieces, Neil. I too, have always enjoyed many types of music, but I can see that you have a more well-rounded interest than I do. Still, I’m expanding my horizons all the time. Never heard of Memphis Slim, but I enjoyed Mother Earth enough that I will listen to it again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Des. He recorded Mother Earth again, years later. I listened to the later version on YouTube. It has a very different arrangement than the one I included in this story. Enjoy the upcoming weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Replying to your title of the piece, you’re right.”You don’t”
I always dig your musical interludes. Another good one. I had a shot of Patsy Cline last night. So she’s fresh in my ear. She did it for me (along with a lot of others). Good piece fella.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi CB. I’ve watched parts of Burns’ country music series. I don’t know, maybe I wasn’t in the right mood, but the series didn’t grab me as much as I’d have liked.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah I hear you. The first episode felt like “I’ve been here before” with his presentation. But I warmed up quickly. Started to take off for me with the 3rd, the Hank factor and the 4th was focused on Cash and Cline. I think he’s hit his stride.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll tune in to the series some more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read this just before going to the bathroom to brush my teeth, so I put on Memphis Slim when I was in there to see if it had the same effect. I didn’t pick up my toothbrush until it had finished. I’ve never been one for background music, because if it’s no good, it’s irritating, but if it’s good, I have to stop whatever I’m doing and give it my full attention.
I like what you say about being transported. It reminds me of an interview I read with Carlos Santana. It was for a guitar magazine so the interviewer asked what guitarists Carlos likes and what is it about their techniques that impresses him. Santana answered that if he’s thinking about a player’s technique then the piece of music has failed. If he’s transported somewhere else by it, then it’s worked (but in that case, the last thing he’s thinking about is technique). He said he’d just been listening to the Edge, and he’d been thinking about light on water.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Did you ever hear the album that Carlos made with John McLaughlin? It’s called Love Devotion Surrender. Amazing album.
Hi George, and thanks for dropping by. And don’t forget to brush your teeth!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, I haven’t. I remember reading about that years ago and thinking I must hear that, then somehow it dropped off my radar. You’ve just reminded me of unfinished business!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like both forms: contemporary indie with driving dance beats or slamming punk aggro during the day but in the evening I like classic drive music, calm, meditative to tame the wild beast 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Speaking of punk, have you ever seen Iggy Pop in concert? I haven’t. I hope to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No. I haven’t but I see the New Yorker has a big an extensive article on Iggy . It’s well worth a read
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi. I read it recently. It’s good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t know Memphis Slim, but now I do. Thanks!
PS Do you follow The Immortal Jukebox? It might be right up your street.
https://theimmortaljukebox.com/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi. Yes, I’ve read a good number of his pieces. He does a terrific job.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always enlightening to read about people who love things I struggle with! Heavy metal, jazz, and blues all fit into that category for me (and pretty much always have). I do like music, but I guess I’m pretty picky. Different strokes for different folks, I guess, and I enjoyed reading about your passion for music of many kinds.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi there, Lexie. Yeah, we’re all different. Helps to make the world interesting!
LikeLike
“Music, whatever its intensity level will, if you’re lucky, do something far better than what I mention above. Namely, transport you to purer realms.”
Great post, Neil. Though I too am a rock-and-roll, soul baby, I also love opera. Tonight I went to see Italian opera performed in a small venue (50 seats) in Florence, Italy performed by an amazing opera singer and and pianist. When the woman began to sing, tears poured down my cheeks. Great music releases all the emotion we are forced to carry inside day to day.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’d have loved to have been at the show you just went to. I’ve never gotten into opera, but I can tell, from what you say, that I would have enjoyed this performance a whole lot.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would’ve set down my toothbrush, too, Neil. I didn’t know M. Slim, so thank you for that. Your Beethoven link didn’t work for me, but I found the piano sonata on YouTube, and I appreciate the musical diversity as I enjoy my back patio this evening.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Relaxing on the patio with good music . . . that’s the life!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good article……like your 2 choices!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gracias, Joyce.
LikeLike
I like the way you said that…that calmer music introduces you to parts of yourself you typically ignore. And I agree, we need both types of music! The kind that takes us out of ourselves and the kind that puts us in touch with our inner selves. Great post, Neil!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Music-making seems to be basic to human behavior. Music can be powerful!
On that note, I’m going to turn on the boob tube for an hour or so before hitting the sack. Take care, Ann. Thanks for adding your thoughts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve not heard Memphis Slim before, but he is right up my (jazz ‘n blues) street. Absolutely gorgeous. I thought the Beethoven was going to be a bust as the first three notes did nothing for me. But I left it playing and bit by little bit, my shoulders dropped and my breathing slowed – so peaceful, so beautiful. Thank you for introducing me to these two pieces.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi there, and thanks for stopping by. You had the same reactions to these pieces that I did!
Neil Scheinin
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love music too, but I don’t know from Beethoven. It’s always been the vernacular musics for me, folk music (from anywhere), blues, jazz and once upon a time rock ‘n’ roll too. Memphis Slim produced a lot of fabulous music! He and Champion Jack Dupree are my faves among the blues piano guys. When I was in University my school library had a fabulous blues collection on vinyl. They had little booths, each with a turntable and headphones and a desk. I’d bring my homework, put on the headphones and listen to old blues for hours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi. Did you get your homework done, or were you too absorbed in the music?
LikeLike
Your music themed posts expand my music horizon. Thank you. Your description of how music moves you resonates.
I am mostly a casual listener enjoying the more popular Beethoven pieces like Ode to Joy. However, of his more quiet pieces, I find myself drawn to Pathetique as played by Barenboim.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll try and find that performance online and give it a listen.
Enjoy the weekend. See you —
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoyed this post because it linked two of my favourite genres—American blues/rock with classical. My fave in the former is Ray Charles ‘I Can’t Stop Loving You’…..in the second, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto #5, the ‘Emperor’.
Thanks for posting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, Ray Charles. He was truly great.
Thanks for adding your thoughts. I appreciate it!
LikeLike
Love both those pieces. We watched a really good documentary on PBS Ken Burns “Country Music.” I really came away with a great appreciation for Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline and many of the others – their struggles and sheer determination were – wow – amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi. I watched a bit of the country music series. I’m going to watch more of it. Have an excellent weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am intrigued by “Haydn, Bach and Sibelius” as exemplars of classical composers U like better than LvB. I am a big fan of more jazz musicians and classical composers than I can count (including Haydn, Bach, and LvB). Late romantics? Brahms, Dvořák, and Tchaikovsky wrote many great pieces (and some clunkers). Tho I have liked a few pieces by Sibelius, I just can’t see him playing in the same league. To each his own.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi. I’m much more familiar with rock, jazz, blues and folk musics than I am with classical. Beethoven of course was great. But as a somewhat casual listener, I have to say that I prefer other composers to him. Anyway, we all have our preferences and opinions. I appreciate your stopping by. Take care.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beethoven said it best…”the vibrations on the air are the breath of god speaking to man’s soul…”
Great essay.
All the best, Jerry
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Jerry. Have you seen the movie Copying Beethoven? It’s a good one.
Your pal,
Neil
LikeLike
No. Thanks for telling me about it. I’ll grab my popcorn and check it out.
Think happy thoughts.
Jerry
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some music can pluck strings of our soul that remain otherwise silent, Neil.
I wish you a musical weekend.
Tanja
LikeLiked by 1 person
Music’s got the power!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🎵
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am a musical philistine and never listen to music. Our youngest son is very musical and, when he lived at home, enjoyed listening to him and to his music. Conversation, radio discussion etc, is far more attractive to me but not so much as the written word…to be enjoyed in silence! Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I forgive you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a name–Memphis Slim. There is a yearning in that song that’s very moving.
Also enjoyed the first movement of the sonata. When it moves into the rapid notes, it’s really hard to believe anyone human can move their fingers that fast, you know? Amazing.
I know it’s over-used and everything, but I still love Claire de Lune. Do you? Or are you sick of it?
Also shared Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 with someone recently: one of my long-time beloved favorites. I have very little knowledge of jazz and the blues, so I’m very uneven. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Stacey. I like Claire de Lune too. There’s so much good music. Ravel’s Bolero gets to me.
Have an excellent Sunday and upcoming week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I never consider myself a music connoisseur, or anything like that, however my taste its all over the place, and mainly by chance, may not care from some recommendations, people do, but understand we all get something different from a particular piece.
But I like your passion for the music you love, and the way you express it.
Thanks, I enjoyed your story. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi. I’m very glad to hear from you. So much music is available, there’s something for everyone!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m definitely more into calmer music, Neil. I listened to Beethoven’s Sonates 13, a very soul-comforting piece. I failed to download Memphis Slim’s Mother Earth, though. Will check it out on Spotify later. Have a great week! Take care, Isabelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve got me thinking, Isabelle. If a survey was done to determine what percentage of people prefer calmer music to boisterous music, and vice versa, I wonder what the results would be. I’m guessing that calmer would come out ahead.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess so, too, Neil.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the mention of a favorite artist. I just asked Alexa to shuffle songs by Willie. Sigh….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi there. Willie has had a long and fruitful career. He’s an icon and a road warrior.
LikeLike
I love the contrasts of musicians and era. Most of all I love your taste in music. Thanks Neil for sharing Memphis Slim and your musical points-of-view. Cheers!❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a lot. You know, I’m going to listen to Mother Earth again, later today. Great recording.
LikeLike
Indeed Neil and enjoy!🍵😎🍵
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, they’re both beautiful, and although I do listen to classical, now and again, I didn’t know this one, so thank you. But especial thanks for Memphis Slim, who I’d never have found on my own. My only complaint? Mother Earth is too short – I know, ‘always leave ’em wanting more!’
LikeLiked by 1 person
You know, I think I like its brevity.
If you go to YouTube you’ll find a longer version that he recorded at a later date. Take care, Cath.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Neil. I’ll add it to my favourites.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is lovely, Yeah (if I may be so informal). I stopped by to thank you for your “like” of “ My Presidential Nominee Wish List,” and found myself captivated by your reverie here.
I’ve written several pieces on music recently that I hope you’ll come back to ponder. In the meantime, I’m about to become your newest follower (a term I dislike, as I don’t know any bloggers who are sheeplike).
Cheers,
Annie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Annie, thanks a lot for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed this essay. In a short while I’m going to visit your site and follow it. See you!
Neil
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m delighted, Neil. Welcome to annieasksyou!
I look forward to a new virtual friendship as we further explore each other’s posts. I suspect that, like me, you write about whatever your curiosity leads you to examine. Does that demonstrate versatility—or a lack of discipline? Maybe a bit of both. So be it.
It’s nice to know your name, but I found “Yeah, Another Blogger” refreshing and fun.
Cheers,
Annie
LikeLiked by 1 person
👍👍
LikeLike
Thanks for the great musical start to my day, Neil! 🙏 🎹
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post, my man. A distinct I would recognise, but thanks for putting words on it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, and thanks. I appreciate it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the common element here is the piano. It is such a versatile instrument and any piece of music that incorporates piano magic will capture my attention. Your 2 selections prove it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You know, I’m slightly embarrassed to say that I hadn’t consciously noticed that both the Memphis Slim and Beethoven pieces feature the piano. Thanks for waking me up!
LikeLike
I LOVE the piano and it’s usually the first thing I notice about a piece of music.
Sadly, I never learned how to play the instrument … but it’s not from lack of trying. I just don’t have a musical bone in my body.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re a true appreciator of music, and that’s a great thing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed both of these Neil. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you liked them, Kathy. See you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful post Neil. Music is SO important to all of us. It can influence our emotions, bring back memories, change our mood, and most importantly bring the words and music of historical greats into the modern world. Loved this post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lynne. You’ve improved my day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Both are beautiful pieces of music – and both, in their own way, are a salute to the piano, that incredible instrument.
LikeLike
I’m only guessing, but I think that guitar and piano are the most popular instruments. In the western world, anyway.
Take care, Ruth. Many thanks for adding your thoughts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve just gotten my kids into classical music, esp now that Blondie is taking piano lessons and Biff is eager to copy her. I’ve also been digging into blues music more for the boys, my little Blues Brothers. Sure, I’m always hunting for new music to write to, but I need to remember to broaden the horizons of my kiddos with music, too. And there is such a wonderful wealth of music to hear from across the ages. xxxxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right, your kids might hear a certain genre of music that sparks them. The more that any of us listen to, the better (generally speaking).
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks Neil; great track by Memphis Slim; a timely reminder of our final destination. Beeautiful. thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
👍👍
LikeLike