Sounds Of Silence

It was quiet this morning as Bacchus and I walked. The snow fell gently. There was no wind. It got me to thinking of one of my favorite songs - The Sounds of Silence.

Before we started out I had been struck by an item in the paper about the latest project of famed opera tenor Placido Domingo. He is pairing with the Vienna Philharmonic to raise the awareness of hearing loss and to offer the latest technology to those in need. Especially those in third world countries.

"Music is my emotional need. I therefore feel sad for anyone who cannot hear music," he told the A.P. So too was the case for another of my favorites, Beverly Sills. Her daughter had a hearing defect which would preclude her ever hearing her mother's wonderous voice.

Ah, music. From my local blogging friend who credits his love of music for retaining his sanity to my own need for the "oldies" while making housework pass, it gives life to one's soul. The deaf "hear" it through vibrations. Soon it will be wafting from every corner of the community - Christmas music. Real music with beautiful melodies and up-lifting lyrics.

It warms my heart to learn of projects like Domingo's and gives me hope. Rather that than a rapper vowing not to use the "n" word in his future performances; a lyric that is offensive to his own race yet has been used freely.

But a chance to hear real music, that which is produced by the Domingos and the Sills and the Vienna Philharmonics of the world. Now that is a gift worthy of the season.

"The Sound of Music" - may it live forever.