Instrumental

The metaphor is beautiful.

The composer puts together parts for each member of the orchestra. If they are present for the symphony, it’s because they have a key role to play in making real the sound the composer had in his mind from the beginning. Everyone.

His ear is so keen that in rehearsals he can tell if an instrument does not play on time or plays the wrong note. His ear is so attuned that he knows where the blend of the instruments does not harmonise as he had written. To anyone else it might sound acceptable, but he knows what he wrote. He knows how it should sound. He will cajole and chastise, he console and counsel, he will correct and conduct the ensemble until that which was in his heart, that which was written on the page, is performed and lifts the atmosphere with the vibrancy, frequency and symphony he created.

This is not something he can do on his own at all. This is something that is deliberately dependent on those called and gathered into this ensemble. Each role is pivotal. They play a part and contribute to the whole. They are not just to focus on their own part, they are supposed to be sensitive to how they blend with the other parts. Their part in the piece is critical and they likewise know that they require each other to ensure that the whole is delivered in a manner to the content of the composer.

It is only by doing it this way that the piece of music can be experienced in a manner that stirs the mind and lifts the heart.

The metaphor is beautiful because the underlying truth remains so important to life. Each part has an instrumental role to play.

(Photo by Radek Grzybowski on Unsplash)

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden