Dear Editor,
Earlier, I commented on the good, related to the revival of the Guyana Music Festival.
The quality of the music we play and listen to, in a sense, defines the point at which we are between being barbarians and a highly civilized and culturally elevated people. From our earliest ancestors, we were surrounded by the primaeval sounds of the natural things around us. The melody of the sea lashing our shores and the chatter of the animals to the sounds of our hands and feet. And so throughout time music (not merely loud noises) became an important part of our lives.
Our European, Asian and African ancestors developed at different times, instruments for pleasure. Samuel had constructed an academy of music and prophesies. The celebrated musician, David, studied there as a boy. Unfortunately, researchers have failed to find the music of his Psalms. However, as both verse and poems, they have been immortalized and are a source of inspiration of all ages.
It is believed that David conceived the ritual, with its antiphonal chants, used in Solomon’s Temple long before the advent of Jesus. This ritual is today evident in Jewish synagogues and as one who has shared prayers with Jews, Christians and Muslims, the chants of my Islamic and Christian brothers bear an uncanny resemblance.
Attending the funeral of Rev Oswald Allen Best, I could not help but take note of the accurate and delightful organ playing of Ms Rosamund Addo, as well as Ms Lynette Cunha on the pianoforte. Their enthusiasm during the service was noticeable. As we listen to some of the noises produced elsewhere, we wonder if these gracious Guyanese musicians are part of a dying breed. Let us hope this is not the case. One church elder complained at another service about the difficulty experienced even in trying to secure the services of an organist.
But then at the 130th anniversary of St Stephen’s Presbyterian Church in Charlestown, I came upon a very young organist, Wayne Meville, from the lower East Coast. This a good sign. Let us have more of our youths involved.
Also, happily, as we attended the TUC and Mother’s Union special service at St James-the-Less Church in Kitty under the watchful eye of Rev Semple, we were entertained by a small steel band of young girls; this too was a most encouraging experience.
On this day, I also reflected on the life of a man who shared some of these concerns, Chandra Paul Persaud, who passed away on this day two years ago. May his memory and that of many others inspire us to great heights of excellence.
I pray that our leaders and all segments of our nation take heed of the words of Napoleon who said, “Music, of all the arts, has the greatest influence over the passions, and the legislator ought to give it the greatest encouragement.”
Let us say Amen.
Yours faithfully,
Hamilton Green, JP
