In the symphony, all the instruments and all the players have their place. They can be classified according to their unique properties: the cellos, low and rich, sit opposite the rather more perky violins. The percussionists hide behind their contraptions, the woodwinds sit in an orderly row in front of the brass. (They try to shield their ears.)
What proceeds from this order? “The whole is larger than the sum of its parts.” Certainly. But talking of parts is mechanistic. It is no machine produced by this assemblage of minds and souls freely interacting with that most ineffable of languages, music.
I believe in the communion of saints. (Apostles Creed) A communion is a body, organic, not a machine. Like a symphony, it has an inner spirit governing, pulling at the players, drawing them forward, as they apply their best selves to the expression of what they hear. The purpose, destiny, and order of that inner spirit exists alongside the liberty of will to choose it.
Be united in the same mind. (1 Corinthians 1:10) The “mind” of a symphony unites the players. Its sublime, beautiful (and metaphysical) reality is apprehended when we are opened together to its inner spirit.
Open us to your Spirit, as we hear and play the music together. Amen.
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Second Minute: Your Thoughts and Observations