As a child, when I heard the word harmony, my music teacher was speaking. At times it was in the positive, the way the different movements in a particular piece of piano music came together, flowing from as well as building on each other. On other occasion, it was her disbelief in how anyone could hear the harmony in certain kinds of music. Ironically, jazz was never mentioned.
I wish she would have played any one of Bill Evan’s LPs from 1961 to 1963. This was roughly the same era when she was sharing her views. Even as a young boy, I recall the conversation with an open mind. She did not appear to have any malus in her voice or demeanor. I recall her views as an expression of confusion, at least that is what I recall.
In more recent years, my understanding of harmony has grown. As “Skating in Central Park” (Bill Evans and Jim Hall, 1962) came on during a random Spotify compilation, I was reminded that this is in my go-to list when I want to be in harmony within. In this case, harmony defines the relationship I want to have between my heart, mind, and soul. The effortless flow of this song takes me to a place where harmony within always exists (as do several other Bill Evans recordings of that era).
Life whispers take me to my harmony notes.
Harmony, genuine, thoughtful, and intentional, is more important than being right. Without it, one cannot have the dialogue which opens the possibility of discerning and discovering the truth one needs.
Genuine harmony does not require or dictate uniformity, especially in life’s how and what. Life reminds me that my best and most intense experiences in harmony were also filled with diversity.
Coming together with shared respect and a willingness to unconditionally accept is a harmony step to becoming a better person. The natural outcome of harmony is joy and hope. When a writer notes, “God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people,” (Psalm 127.3) I know it was harmony.
