The Redlands Symphony Orchestra presented “Musical Tales.” It was stupendous. The Beethoven was pleasant and energetic, but I admit I was kind of chomping at the bit for the next number. Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf is a personal favorite mine. So, when at last it arrived, I settled into listening with almost a snuggle.
I’m sure the people around me got a kick out of my little sways and wiggles (keeping still is not a talent of mine), especially when the hunters make their entrance. That, and the triumphal procession at the end are my favorite parts. It’s possible, were I to have a walk-down-the-isle sort of a wedding, that I would give great consideration to the triumphal procession as my entrance song.
But, as I sat listening, a strange thing occurred: my mind started wandering. Or, at least it seemed like wandering. It continued through Mihlen Laipang’s absolutely stunning performance. I couldn’t understand it.
Mind-wandering is a fascinating thing. It has bad associations. Your mind shouldn’t be wandering anywhere: it should be paying attention! And yet, what is a mind doing as it wanders? Why, I believe we would call that thinking. And thinking, as philosophers everywhere will recognize, is definitely a good thing.
As someone whose mind wanders almost constantly, I will be the first to admit that sometimes my “thinking” is actually more like doodling; a daydream occupying the part of my mind that should be focused elsewhere. Or a panicked inability to put down the to-do list and enjoy the moment. But this is not what was happening tonight.
I was not thinking instead of paying attention, but because I was paying attention. I was thinking responsively to my situation. I think we could even call this learning. Classical music is famous for inspiring that. We in the age of movies, gaming, and music videos have all but forgotten.
So, in fact, I was doing exactly what I should have been doing: providing pictures, stories, and feelings to go along with what I was hearing, just like concert-goers of old. and they were excellent thought and feeling, for this was truly excellent music. As I reached my little epiphany, my guilt vanished. I leaned back, closed my eyes, and continued to enjoy my inspired wanderings.
