For the Love of Music

I am consistently amazed by the amount of love that Nathaniel Ayers feels for classical music. That music is not only a part of his life but a part of his body. The music is in him and he was his music.

Throughout the book Steve Lopez observes the music is Nathaniel's 'medicine' and 'treatment.' As a reader I can see Ayers' sickness, but, furthermore I can see what impact music was on his composure and how he needed music to live. Without his music Nathaniel would be nothing-he would be empty.

Nathaniel admits that Beethoven is almost like a god to him; and when Steve Lopez was able to invite Nathaniel Ayers to enjoy the rehearsal of the Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall Ayers was elated and filled with great joy. Lopez noticed how when Nathaniel was mingling with the musicians and talking about Beethoven how he became a different person.

I can relate to Nathaniel in his music-induced transformation. I love Gospel music- choirs, soloists, ensembles, southern gospel, hip-hop Gospel...basically anything inside of the Gospel genre appeals to me. Gospel music has the power to change how I'm feeling it gives me the strength to endure, and to live right a holy life. Being a Christian is my life and Gospel music is literally the Bible in music form. I love Gospel so much, no other music can compare to it in my eyes. Gospel music is in me and I am Gospel, that is the strongest reason why I can relate to Nathaniel-You can't relate to someone who is in love unless you have been yourself.

What I admire about Nathaniel is that he can still indulge in what he loves, there is still a connection that can never be broken even in his sickness. That type of love can make any mad-man sane. Music is very powerful, and Nathaniel understands that music he would be dead inside. Nathaniel's demon or beast is his sickness; and as Nataniel constantly immerses himself into his music he proves that: music can tame the savage beast.