Poetry – Music

My friend went to the piano; spun the stool
A little higher; left his pipe to cool;
Picked up a fat green volume from the chest;
And propped it open.
Whitely without rest,
His fingers swept the keys that flashed like swords,
… And to the brute drums of barbarian hordes,
Roaring and thunderous and weapon-bare,
An army stormed the bastions of the air!
Dreadful with banners, fire to slay and parch,
Marching together as the lightning’s march,
And swift as storm-clouds. Brazen helms and cars
Clanged to a fierce resurgence of old wars
Above the screaming horns. In-state, they passed,
Trampling and splendid on and sought the vast —
Rending the darkness like a leaping knife,
The flame, the noble pageant of our life!
The burning seal that stamps man’s high indenture
To vain attempt and most forlorn adventure;
Romance, and purple seas, and toppling towns,
And the wind’s valiance crying o’er the downs;
That nerves the silly hand, the feeble brain,
From the loose net of words to deeds again
And to all courage! Perilous and sharp
The last chord shook me as wind shakes a harp!
… And my friend swung round on his stool, and from gods we were men,
“How pretty!” we said; and went on with our talk again.

— Stephen Vincent Benet

Meaning of The Poem “Music”

Stephen Vincent Benét’s poem “Music” is a richly evocative piece that delves into the profound impact music has on the human spirit. Through its verses, Benét explores themes of memory, emotion, and the transcendent quality of music, crafting a narrative that resonates with the universal human experience. This article aims to unpack the meaning of “Music” by Stephen Vincent Benét, providing an in-depth analysis of its themes, imagery, and the poet’s intent, followed by a summary of the poem’s core concepts.

Analysis of “Music” by Stephen Vincent Benét

The Power of Music to Evoke Memories

One of the central themes of “Music” is its ability to evoke deep memories, transporting the listener to different times and places. Benét uses vivid imagery to illustrate how music can act as a key to unlock forgotten moments, suggesting that it has a unique power to connect us with our past. This aspect of music is universal, touching on the nostalgic quality that music often carries, capable of evoking a wide range of emotions from joy to sorrow.

Music as a Conduit of Emotion

Benét further explores music’s role as a profound conduit of emotion. The poem suggests that music has the ability to convey feelings that words cannot, reaching directly into the soul of the listener. This theme speaks to the ineffable quality of music, its capacity to express the inexpressible, and to evoke feelings that are deeply personal and often beyond articulation.

Transcendence Through Music

Another significant theme in “Music” is the idea of transcendence. Benét portrays music as a transcendent force, capable of lifting the listener out of the mundane aspects of life and into a higher realm of experience. This aspect of music is linked to its spiritual dimensions, suggesting that through music, individuals can connect to something larger than themselves, whether it be the collective human experience, nature, or the divine.

The Universality of Music

Throughout the poem, Benét emphasizes the universality of music. He suggests that music is a language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, a shared human heritage that connects people across different times and places. This theme is a celebration of the diversity of musical expression and its ability to unite people in a common emotional experience.

Summary of the Poem’s Concepts

“Music” by Stephen Vincent Benét is a poetic exploration of the profound impact music has on the human experience. The poem delves into themes such as the power of music to evoke memories, its role as a conduit of emotion, the idea of transcendence, and the universality of music. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful reflection, Benét captures the essence of music’s ability to touch the human spirit, suggesting that it is a force that is both deeply personal and universally shared. The poem ultimately celebrates music as a unique and powerful medium of expression, one that can connect us to our past, convey deep emotions, lift us beyond our everyday experience, and unite us with others across the globe.

“Music” is a testament to the enduring power of music to move, inspire, and connect us, serving as a reminder of its vital place in human culture and individual lives. Through his poetic exploration, Benét invites readers to reflect on their own experiences with music, encouraging a deeper appreciation for its role as a source of beauty, comfort, and connection in the world.