Not only did I grow up playing the piano, I had the best music teacher throughout most of my years in elementary school. Mrs. Linney gave us a deep appreciation for music. We learned the history of music from the different periods to the composers. She passed out lyrics from her favorite Christian singer-songwriter Amy Grant and taught us how to sing with gusto. She’d play opera and have us write down on a piece of paper the instruments we heard.
I’m no Amy Grant follower, but I will always be an ardent fan of classical music. I write down favorite songs that I hear from the ballet or the symphony. When I’m stressed out at work, I slip headphones on, tune out the office chatter and listen.
Surprisingly, even though I grew up playing the piano, I am most soothed by the violin. And my go-to song? It’s the theme from Schindler’s List by the brilliant composer John Williams–who, in fact, we also studied in Mrs. Linney’s class. The orchestral theme is highlighted by the violin which is simultaneously romantic yet sullen. The violin can hit highs and lows that simply can’t be reached with other instruments.
This song so moves me. But take a listen as the music slowly elevates and ends on a high note.
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