Bridges

Bridges are everywhere.

They come in all sizes, shapes, and styles.
They have different functions – one takes you from one side of a river to the other, another carries you over swamps or stretches of sea.
Others connect buildings or act as fly-overs above several layers of motorways.

Bridges have one thing in common: they connect and create new possibilities.
Some are majestic, others modern and futuristic; there are also many that are discreet and simple.

The function of bridges is to connect, to make contact possible.
This function is not only present physically in our lives, but there are also connecting, important elements that make everything easier, more beautiful, more logical, and cozier.

Think of electricity connections. Or bridging mortgages.
Talking is a connection between people – conveying thoughts and feelings.
In the same way, music is a bridge: it brings us into contact with beauty, emotions, atmosphere – and with each other.
Through music, people can communicate, exchange thoughts and feelings without words.

Music touches, it can lead you to ecstasy – or somber, dark thoughts.
In painting, architecture, and even in cooking, we find connecting, bridging elements.
Like antique and modern style, oriental and western cuisine or classical and contemporary music brought together – the contrasts can reinforce each other, connect, emphasize each other’s beautiful sides.

I am a classically trained concert pianist, my whole life dedicated to playing and listening to Mozart, Chopin, Prokofiev, Beethoven, Liszt, or Rachmaninov. Of course, there is also jazz, pop, country, R&B, and even techno in our lives, beautifully performed, colorful and interesting.

What makes me think of bridge-building is artists from different disciplines joining forces to connect genres, to let listeners enjoy music together.

I have a few favorite examples: Miss Sarajevo with Bono/U2 and Luciano Pavarotti, or Could it be Magic, based on Chopin, by Barry Manilow. And then there is the fantastic performance of the song Barcelona with Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballe – the difference between the two artists could hardly be greater…

Magic happens every time you listen to those tracks: talent, love of music, and passion all come together as one building everlasting bridges over age differences and musical preferences.

Audiences and artists in very surprising compositions enjoy together the most artistic bridge among us: music!

Image source nme.com