Home > Newsletter > No. 29 > Alumni Creative

On Music and Language

by Rafael Rodriguez ('71)

Who hasn’t heard quotes like:
“Music is what feelings sound like”, or

“We dance for laughter,
we dance for tears,
we dance for madness,
we dance for fears,
we dance for hopes,
we dance for screams,
we are dancers,
we create dreams”

And of course there is our favorite Shakespearean quote:
“If music be the food of love, then play on”

Recently I decided to try my hand at composing, modestly, yet inspired, as one should be when creating. Inspiration comes when you least expect it, perhaps that’s why the life of an artist is commonly known for having periods of great difficulty. I encourage everyone to make, or listen to music, not much encouragement is needed with all the gadgets that are part of our modern world, yet one should be choosy and direct one’s taste buds so as to enjoy it more than being subjected to it. As to the meaning of my piece I keep to myself, it may not even be memorable, but the quotes above are clues that perhaps make it immaterial. The piano part can be played alone and is meant to be akin to a lullaby or a habanera, with the added joy of playing together with various other instruments. It is not difficult. (click on the Pdf link to view (and then play?) Rafael's composition --"tema2")