Writer Kurt Vonnegut said the only proof he needed for the existence of God was music. Others have said that it is through music, perhaps more than anything else, that we get nearer to God. Victor Hugo maintained that “Music speaks what cannot be expressed. Music is the melody of the Soul.” And Poet Maya Angelou wrote, “Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.”
Today I am giving you a small gift of music: Claude Debussy’s “Clair de Lune,” (in English “Moonlight”). Published in 1905, this piece was written when he was only 28, and it is perhaps his most well-known piece. The video below is the entire piece of music–only 5 minutes and 13 seconds. The video shows two hands on a keyboard playing the piece while the notes are scrolling down. It’s almost like watching the roller on an old player piano–if you’ve ever had the joy of playing a player piano as I have! I suggest you either close your eyes and just listen to the music or be mesmerized (as I was) by the sound of the music coupled with the visual notes. I was in awe at the song’s blend of simplicity and complexity–made more apparent by actually seeing the notes. Without further words, then, here is “Clair de Lune.”
For reflection:
What words of phrases would you use to describe your experience of listening to this “small gift of music”?
What role did music play in your early years and youth? What role does music play in your current daily life?
Did any of the quotes in the opening paragraph speak to you?
Do you ever feel closer to God when you’re listening to a particular piece of music? If so, what music or song does this for you?
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PS: Speaking of fall, I will be giving a weekend retreat at Villa Maria Spirituality Center in Villa Maria, PA from Friday evening October 11 to Sunday afternoon October 13. The retreat theme is “Celebrating Three Gifts of Autumn: Beauty, Letting Go, and Peace.“ I’d love to see you there. Visit vmesc.org or call 724-964-8886 for details!
I invite you to write a comment below about anything that stood out for you in today’s reflection, or share with us your answer to any of the questions. My readers and I love to hear from you!
6 Responses
Good morning, Melannie…
Good morning, all…
Thank you for gifting us with that wonderful piece by Debussy! The magic of music is that it transcends language. For the most part, we are all fluent in melody. “Clair de Lune” can be heard, appreciated, and maybe even loved by the entire world. I say music transcends language, but maybe music is a language unto itself, one given to us — as Kurt Vonnegut suggest — by God to unify us, give us common ground.
A word about one my favorite authors, the aforementioned Kurt Vonnegut. He professed to being an atheist, but I never believed it! I’m pretty sure he was one of those “anonymous Christians” Karl Rahner talks about!
Good Morning Sr. Melannie,
Thank you for sharing one of my most beloved classical songs. I am one of 7 siblings so as you well know, our parents were always busy. While our dad worked outside the home, our mom seamlessly managed the household and the 7 of us kids. While she was masterful at delegating chores, she didn’t hallways have a lot of time for herself.
But when she did take time, after dinner she would sit down at the piano and play some of her favorite pieces. Clair De Lune was one of them, and to this day, that is my mom’s song. I remember sitting in the rocking chair listening to her play and it was always so comforting, both as a child and as an adult. If you ask any of my 6 siblings they would likely tell you the same thing. Our parents knew the importance of music and made sure we all learned to play an instrument growing up. Thank you for sharing this beloved piece. It will forever be a treasured refuge for me.
May your day be filled with music! Peace,
Lisa
Good morning,
I think we have all experienced those moments of grace when God sends us exactly what we need when we need it!
This morning God has used you, Sister Melannie, and the beauty and stillness of piano music to touch and quiet me.
I use this response to publicly acknowledge God’s Goodness to me and simply say, “Thank you, God,” and also, of course, I thank you Sister Melannie.
Music is my refuge. I relate to Maya Angelou’s quote. Music makes me smile inside. I can’t work without listening to music. I love to sing along too. During the pandemic, I missed singing. I didn’t realize how much until I was able to attend Sunday Mass again. Any time I feel blue, I find some music or song to make me smile! 🙂
Have a wonderful week everyone!
Good evening Sr Melannie. Thank you for your “small gift of music”. I love listening to music in the wee hours of the night when I can’t sleep. It calms my soul and brings peace to my weary mind. I don’t t listen to anything in particular- just instrumental music. Piano or violin. Sometimes guitar.
I agree with Victor Hugo that “music speaks what cannot be expressed”. Lately music is my prayer. I know that God understands what I’m saying and and He knows what I need more than I do. I trust that He will provide whatever is best for me.
Thanks again for your gift of music this week!
Thank, you for sharing this video. Many years ago, when I was a teenager, I played this many times, so listening to this piano brought back many memories.
Sister- you are a gift from God to me. Have been reading your Sunflower Seeds for many years. Again, thank you!!
(Your Sunflower Seeds email has not arrived for the past 3 weeks. I have faith that IT will be able to fix the problem.)