Balbir Mathur: Part of the Symphony
“I am one part of the symphony. I know there is an overall scheme to this symphony that I cannot understand. In some way, we are each playing our own part. It is not for me to judge or criticize the life or work of another. All I know is that this is my dance.”
—Balbir Mathur in a Heron Dance interview (Issue 11) from Inward Outward, Daily Word, October 19, 2016. inwardoutward.org
Our tickets to the Arkansas Symphony are on the third row. At times we do indeed feel as if we are part of the orchestra. We have gotten to know who sits where, when someone new is in a seat, or when a regular is missing. We know a few of the musicians by name. There are still many members of the orchestra playing who were there when we first came to Little Rock more than forty years ago.
I especially remember one moment many years ago when the first cellist had a twenty- second solo very close to the end of the performance. Suddenly his deep, melodious sound was heard above the rest of the orchestra, and then, just as suddenly, he faded back into the background to support the other instruments. I knew that if I had been him, I would have been too nervous the whole night, waiting for that brief time to be the soloist voice soaring above the rest of the orchestra. The professional cellist, of course, seemed as comfortable blended into the orchestra as he was performing his solo. He also continued his direct eye contact with the conductor as he played his brief solo contribution. I later wondered about the many hours he must have practiced in order to perform this part, until the score became almost a part of his being.
The cellist taught me that most of our life is spent being a member of the orchestra with our unique instrument and talents, blending in and brining depth to the composition assigned to us. There will be times when we are called to speak out above the music of the symphony. Before we do this, however, we should be prepared by practicing, knowing intimately our part, especially the timing, and keeping our eye on the conductor. Most of the time, we are called to spend our gifts blending, supporting, and in many ways encouraging the sounds of others.
Rebecca Spooner is leading a morning retreat about the Enneagram at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Saturday February 29th from 9 to 1. The Cost is $15. Sign up on St. Mark’s website lovesaintmarks.org. Go to What’s on, then Events.
Joanna . joannaseibert.com