Many years ago, when still considered a young man, I wrote a piece called “If the Whole World Could Hear Schubert.” Not just know Schubert, or to be familiar with his music, but that the whole world, across oceans and time zones, could hear Schubert all at once—to experience the loveliness, potency, and majesty of his art simultaneously. It’s unimaginable that, with one’s ear filled with such poetic strains of expression, one would feel inspired to throw a punch, pick up a weapon, engage in war, or commit any act of violence or aggression. But it would require such a global phenomenon for each of us to lay down our swords.
Ricardo Muti, the former maestro of the Philadelphia Orchestra, once said, “We are all equal before music; it is the one true unifying language.” If only somehow we could hear it together. It’s a lofty notion, and perhaps impossible. But who knows, maybe somewhere on a distant horizon lingers a superpower that will allow it.
Michael's Corner 
Leave a comment