Music on the Subway

Conservatory Orchids, Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, VA

…(those) that chant to the sound of the viol,

and invent to themselves instruments of music, like David.

Amos 6:5

Joel, a young man who used to be my voice student and is now a freshman at James Madison University, tagged me yesterday morning on Facebook with an invitation to watch a Youtube video.  I opened the link and was immediately captivated, my mind pouring forth a ton of questions:  What subway?  How many instruments?  Where did they come from?  Where was this taken?  Where are they going?  The music was gorgeous – breathtaking.  But the manner in which it was being played was most fascinating, and the difficulty of such a large group staying together under such circumstances was a wonder.

A little research on Youtube revealed it to be the theme for a 2007 European movie.  That explained the quality of the video, the sparkling cleanliness of the subway, and the various cultures of the men and women who participated.  After my third or fourth viewing, I realized that I just needed to stop with the questions and give myself over to the depth and eloquence of the music.

Heaven’s creative process did not stop when the earth was finished and God was resting from His labors.  Far from it – God has continued to give and give of His creative genius, pouring down through ordinary men and women who become extraordinary musicians.  Some write for the world, others write for the church – all write for the beauty and glory of the music itself.  Performers such as those in the video become the interpreters of the written score.  Sit back, relax, and enjoy a very moving presentation.