More than an ear for music

I regard music as one of the most marvellous creations of man.

It has great power - greater than other forms of art. And that is the power of reaching out to and touching one's soul.

Listening to Bach's "Air on a G String", Faure's "Pavane" or Pachelbel's "Canon in D" can awaken the angst residing in the deepest corners of your heart.

So sad - and so beautiful.

If you're wondering how I came up with such a weird combo, its because these are some of the pieces I have on a classical CD that I got recently - I was listening to it as I was typing this :-).

Its the cello whose sounds are primarily responsible for the wondrous melancholy - and the way the instruments combine is simply divine.

One can so easily get lost in the devotion of M.S.Subbulakshmi as she sings "Bhaja Govindam" or "Kurai Ondrum Illai". Iam sure that her music wouldn't be nearly as great if it weren't for the incredible devotion and faith in God that people say she had.

Music also has the ability to change your mood in an instant - and Iam sure all of you have countless examples of songs from your favourites that have brightened many a moment.

Like books, music can also be an eternal companion - a better one, in a way, because you can actually choose the kind of music you want to listen to at a particular time, unlike a book, where you are limited by what the author throws at you. Though of course, you can learn a whole lot more from books - from the ideas, thoughts, experiences and perspective of the author.

It is said of science and the pursuit of knowledge that they can capture your intellect and imagination - true. But I think its the prerogative of art to capture your heart and soul.