Emotional Melody

Tragedy.  The earthquake and tsunami in Japan struck a chord around the world.  When Haiti encountered the devastating power of nature, everyone blamed the already dreadful conditions and shoddy construction in which the people were living.  But if a natural disaster can so drastically impact one of the world’s most developed, most successful countries it could happen to anyone.  Concern for the radiation leaking out of damaged nuclear reactors has created the kairos to spark new debates on the safety of nuclear energy.  News stations everywhere are showing videos of the devastation, reporting facts, estimating numbers all in an effort to respond to their audience’s desire for information on the situation. 

And one man posted a moving video on youtube to create an exigence, to call individuals everywhere to action.  He plays a song.  The power of the music pulls on the listener’s heartstrings.  And yet, while the purpose is clear- Japan needs support- the music itself could be interpreted many ways.  Is it a mournful ode to the people of the country?  A hopeful reminder that this too shall pass?  Or just something beautiful, to bring to mind the beauty of the land before the muddy waters brought destruction? However you listen to it, whatever images and feelings it raises in you, the song invokes pathos, bringing forth a well of emotions to persuade the listener to help and to comfort the listener in need.  Music is a universal language.  While different cultures embrace different styles, everyone can hear the beauty, the emotion, in these notes.