You might have heard on Astroquarian 05 that it is No Music Day tomorrow, 21 November. According to the website, there is no mission about this day, just “an aspiration, an idea, an impossible dream, a nightmare.”
It made me think about why I found myself initially repelled by the idea of a day marking, celebrating or commemorating No Music. I love good music of any description, genre or root. It seems like such a simple and obvious thing to say as you don’t really question the things you love doing or being a part of so I am grateful for this opportunity to think about the immense importance of music. My good music is a salve for the soreness that life can often bring, a tonic to cure, and like a good wine, it gives both mind and body an internal massage. I was fascinated to read some of the statements on the No Music Day website which I have taken the liberty to quote:
“I will be observing No Music Day by: by playing my favorite Chopin Nocturne on the piano.” NoMusicNoWay
“I will be observing No Music Day by: trying not to listen to music, and if I DO hear some music (in the shops, on the train, from my neighbour’s tv), I will complain, saying it is ‘no music’ day.” Ana
“I will be observing No Music Day by: Not working in any way
I am observing No Music Day because: I work in the music industry” Maco
and most profound…
“I will be observing No Music Day by: repeatedly listening to that track by John Cage that doesn’t have much going on.” NMD=lol
The reason for the date being 21 November is because 22 November is the feast day of Saint Cecilia, patron saint of church music, and music and musicians more generally: so the day is for no music to be followed by a day full of music. Cecilia was an early saint and was martyred in Rome in the early second century. It is said in one of the stories that describe her deeds (Acta) that while the secular music of her wedding was being played, Cecilia sand a hymn in her heart, dedicated to her love for Jesus who she considered her true spouse. Cecilia is often depicted with an pipe organ and sometimes also roses.
Astroquarian will be recording a mini-podcast tomorrow, 21 November, in tribute to No Music Day, and as a nod to St Cecilia’s Day.
Thank you to the Catholic Forum for providing information on Saint Ceclia.
