After the really interesting video conference with Mariam Said, the Parallels and Paradoxes reading added a little more dimension to what we are learning right now. It amazed me that they took the time to document their conversations; it was a wise thing to do. It makes me think of those in my life that I should take the time to record conversations with....anyway, this bit of the book gave a fascinating glimpse into Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said. The Memoriam of Edward Said, written by Daniel Barenboim, was so well articulated; not only is Daniel Barenboim a Maestro and genius in the musical arena, but is so adept at putting his thoughts into words. He really wrote so beautifully about his dear friend, painting a picture that helped me envision what Edward Said was like. In reading about each of these men, the word 'Renaissance Man' comes to mind; I read it in one of the readings about Edward Said, but I had already thought it while reading about them. For example, Maestro wrote: "Edward was not only at home in music, literature, philosophy, and the understanding of politics, but he was also one of those rare people who saw the connections and the parallels between different disciplines, because he had an unusual understanding of the human spirit, and of the human being." WOW! What else could there be left to know? Edward Said not only was beyond genius, but Daniel Barenboim is a master at writing so eloquently to relay his point...my, my.....
I feel that details they shared help flesh out what we know of the West-Eastern Divan, which I now see has much of the heart and soul of these two men living within the orchestra, its purpose, and the Barenboim-Said Foundation itself. I really like what the Maestro said about sharing their music: "They were trying to do something together...they already can't look at each other the same way, because they have shared a common experience. And this is what was really, for me, the important thing about the encounter." Sharing common experience....perhaps this is a key to peace in the conflict....like the project we watched about schools for the very young, from both sides, sharing common experiences...maybe this holds peace within its hand.....I really look forward to seeing the movie.
I agree with your description of the relationship between the two. The shared interest in music should serve as an example that through any shared medium, people from either side can find a common bond. I think it goes back to the issue of homeland, too. There are so many things that unite both Israelis and Palestinians, to include music. It seems that if these similarities were highlighted, as opposed to the differences, the conflict might start heading in a better direction
ReplyDeleteAfter seeing the movie you can really tell the special bond that both Daniel and Edward had not only for the project itself, but for each other. They might be on different sides of the conflict, but the shared experience, like you said, is something that nobody else could make for them. It is what this conflict needs...more people to think about each other and not the overarching political themes. The movie really made you feel like you were watching them as it was happening and wondering what obstacle they had to overcome next. However, Daniel knew this was all for Edward and the last concert put a smile on his face.
ReplyDeleteI agree that recording/documentation of some of the conversations Edward and Daniel had about certain topics was a great way to truly show their ideals and personalities to others. I think in this way, we can truly learn about other people, from hearing their own words, instead of simply reading articles about their lives. I also like what you said about wishing some conversations in your life had been recorded since it would allow us to go back and revisit important thoughts and old friends that we may have forgotten about.
ReplyDeleteI think that the relationship between Edward and Daniel, in addition to the project that they initiated and what they were able to accomplish in just a short time is all proof of hope for peace between Palestine and Israel. I agree with you that the comment about why the orchestra worked is because it was a shared experience. Any time that you give people something that they can mutually relate to, an experience, a project, a piece of music... you also give them a foundation to build a new understanding of who the other person is and why the fighting has to end.
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