Professor emeritus of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Jimmy Page can be seen in this video giving a lesson on music wizardry to the cleverest musicmage of his age Jack White and visiting muggle Edge.
Heh. But seriously, It Might Get Loud is a fantastic documentary for music fans, especially fans of Page and White. I am a U2 fan as well but I have to admit, Edge was out of his league in this company. One of the many things that struck me while watching this is how magnificently Page fits the role of sorcerer musician as I've always seen it in my head. Look at that coat! The way he sways with the curve and bend of the song's rhythm. And his hair - that's a head of hair you'd imagine seeing on a magician. To my knowledge Page has never written or given an interview about his magical practices/beliefs back in the days when he was known for having an interest in the occult and living in Aleister Crowley's old home. Now that would be a rock bio I'd love to read! Or even better, write. Mr Page, I'm available to work as your biographer should you be interested. But since that's unlikely to happen, perhaps one day I'll write my own fictional version of an elder sorcerer who wields a guitar rather than a wand to cast spells, who takes on a gifted, intense young apprentice prone to losing himself in the music/magic and obsessed with the blues.
Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore once referred to music as "a magic far beyond" what was taught at the school. I've long seen a connection between the two, music and magic, considering them both combinations of science (technique, practice, skill) and art (the intuitive leap into the unknown). An act of magic can cause change - so too can a song. How often has your mood been altered by hearing a piece of music at the right time? Attending a concert can leave you feeling transported, the live music lifting you to another realm, the crowd's energy creating a feedback loop with that of the musicians on stage so that it feels like a group rite of celebration in some dark corner of the night. And like a spell, music can chase your demons away, or invite them in for a long chat, depending on your purpose. There's a strange, indefinable power to music, and if that doesn't count as magic I don't know what does.
Your thoughts of music are so true! It strongly influences mood and can transport the listener to other places, even times. I also think there is music inherent in the written word and often find myself writing ‘by ear’ if that makes any sense. My family has a strong musical heritage with numerous musicians and performers. Although I didn’t inherit any of that talent (I’m the wordsmith), I still appreciate the beauty and skill involved in performance and composition. I would have liked to have gotten even a smidgen! :)
ReplyDeleteSadly, I don't have any musical talent either. :( I do come from a long line of people who love music, though, including a grandmother and great-aunt who were Elvis fans before he was a national star. So knowing good music when I hear it is in the genes! :)
DeleteThank you for stopping by and commenting, Mae!