tonight a documentary, or rather an essay, on music was shown. ‚Music from the inside out‚ was it called. Unlike most films about music where a certain musician, a person is the focus as seen in ‘walk the line’ or ‘ray’ recently, or about a specific event, a live performance or a ‘bueno vista social club’, this one was really about music itself. in collaboration with the Philadelphia Philharmonics it was not about this orchestra nor its members. the film just spread their words, thoughts, moments, feelings and also stories around music, their daily live. Two essentials I kept. First the orchestra vs. the solo artist. In both ways, there is an individual expressing its character and qualities within a team. It doesn’t really matter how great you are. if you are unable to contribute you’re lost. An orchestra’s live strongly depends on the individual expression of it’s members. If you think of an attitude like I play whatever you want me to play and the way you want me to play it, you won’t bring music to live. But if you think of your personality and that you can contribute with something specific about yourself and expressing it; and if you are able to share it with a team, then you’re part of a whole in all its diversity. In the end, that’s quality. The second thing was the feeling that you can’t really explain on a rational basis what a celebrated musician, a famous composition, an acclaimed performance, or simply great music is. It is very emotional, especially the approach. Which means there has to be a sense that you inhabit the ability to trust feelings, intuitive motions and movements in the unconscious way. These musicians they were talking a lot about music as a language to express something. And most likely, you follow a certain strategy, tactic or intention to communicate something. But at the same time you put unconsciously your feelings and thoughts in it, coming out of a moment, reflections and your inner personality. And most of the time that part is able to express more than anything else. I think that comes closest to the question what music is, and it applies to almost every aspect of live.