Music is art; music is life. It is infused in our lives in way too many ways and forms. Our favourite songs are our respite after a long day at work. Even on the smallest occasion, we play a merry tune to add on to the cheer. Music surrounds every minute of our existence.
Music has evolved alongside man. In a time when there was no conscious use of science or technology, people depended on the bare sounds of sticks and stones for their entertainment. The 1950s wartime tune, “I’ll be seeing you” playing in the radios sparked hope in women’s hearts, and songs like “Aye mere watan ke logon” commemorate those immortal human beings whose lives reside in ours.
There are hundreds of styles of music, ranging from aboriginal Australian music to Hindustani to Reggae. And to think, each genre has millions of compositions!
To honour every single note, sound and melody, the 21st of June is celebrated as World Music Day.
Fête de la Musique!
Well, there isn’t really a day when music goes unappreciated, but on this day, we acknowledge these beautiful songs, lyricists, singers, instrumentalists officially and encourage all the more music in the world.
The concept of a united day for musicians to mark the beginning of summer solstice, i.e., the longest day of the year, was first proposed by American artiste, Joel Cohen back in 1976. In October 1981, when the French Minister of Culture, Jack Lang realized that one out of two children could play an instrument in France, he appointed Maurice Fleuret as the director of music and dance, and the duo conceived an event that would allow all musicians – amateur and professionals – to express themselves. He sought out to bring music to the streets with any profit or lucrative motive. Today, over 700 cities across 120 countries, including China, Germany, Greece, Peru and Brazil celebrate World Music Day.
The emotional power of music is phenomenal. Music has revolutionized the ways of our thinking and has brought people to a united front. Music is in and around us in more than a million ways.
What could possibly be more beautiful than the mere fact that a disturbed baby instantly falls quiet and finds solace in its mother’s lullaby?
— written by Anuhya Katta
Chords & Co. 