Music as a connecting bridge between cultures and countries

Ardita Statovci, MA, Pianist (24.05.2017)

If we take as a starting point the well-known phrase from Beethoven that “Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy”), we are once again reminded of the extraordinary power and influence that sounds have, not only on the life of certain individuals, but above all, on nations. In each segment of life, during festivities or ordinary days, music as a direct form of communication, confirms once again that what could not be said in words is expressed though sounds. As a common language, it establishes connecting arches not only between European countries, but also throughout the world, and through it one is given the opportunity to know and ‘visit’ different cultures and countries without also being physically present. For those that did not have the opportunity to visit, for example the Czech Republic, music enables them to sit along an imaginative shore, wherever this may be, in Japan, Australia, Congo, Chile or France, and to magically experience the flow of the Vltava river while listening to the symphonic poems of Bedrich Smetana, titled “My Homeland” (Ma Vlast). Even 150 years after being composed, the emotions that are transmitted by this music remain each time to be unique and direct, and these sounds achieve to bring back the visions of the river each time in a new and animate way.

Nations, in their journeys to freedom, have had completely different destinies from one another, and we can see this if we compare Sweden which has not had a war for 200 years, and Kosovo on the other side, as a younger country with a history of war 18 years ago, then it becomes clear that even the development of musical history of countries differs.

Another European country, Austria, had the good fortune to have a genius who even though lived in the XVIII century, remains even today to be one of the most popular composers of all time: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. His personality and works have made an extraordinary contribution in the promotion of Austria’s image, and in general the development of musical awareness in the whole of Europe and beyond. Mozart also had the fortune of being from a well-established European country, which archived and preserved his works and continuously works in promoting the creations of, amongst other, one of the principal founders of Viennese classicism (first Viennese school). Even today, for the young generations of any country, such great creative minds remain to be models. While during the years and centuries, it is the artists particularly, that through their art and perseverance have brought down taboos, have influenced society, have raised awareness and morals and have held high the ideals for a progressive and a developed world.

When we speak of Kosovo, classical music of composers from this country is a key aspect which is worth investing in, and is worth supporting its promotion. It is the most direct manner, without gloves and is beautiful, through which a nation with a special history can be known, its sufferings and joys can be known, its aspirations for freedom, to be equal citizens of Europe. It is worth listening to this music with its specific rhythm of 7/8, 8/8, an original element of this country, which cannot be found in Schubert or Brahms, a music with a highlighted minor tonality, with a distanced beauty which encapsulates nostalgia and at the same time the will to live, it is worth knowing one another more closely, not through theory or opinions formed in one way or another, but for the neighbour to know the neighbour directly, to know his soul through music. Small countries can also give a lot, and for this they need a chance, they need the opportunity to exhibit potential.

Music keeps human history alive along the centuries and knows no boundaries. With its development genesis right within Europe, classical music remains to be an important common European value and creates the opportunity for a better recognition of countries within and beyond the continent, dissolves prejudice, opens minds, steals hearts and unites people.