“Love is the only way to rescue humanity from all ills,” Leo Tolstoy in a letter to Mahatma Gandhi
Music is a huge source of inspiration for me. A few days ago, I came across a piece of music by Max Richter, a German, British-based contemporary composer. His style of music falls within the post-minimalist and contemporary classical style category and is widely used for cinema and stage. I have loved his music for a while, but this particular piece of music titled “All Human Beings” from his album “Voices” was new to me. The album was inspired by the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” and features part of an original reading of the Declaration by Eleanor Roosevelt, followed by a contemporary reading by actress Kiki Layne and other voices reading its words in a variety of languages from all over the world.
The album consists of a mix of orchestral, choral, and electronic music, a blend that I generally find quite fascinating. One other aspect that is very appealing to me when it comes to Richter’s work is that he often collaborates with visual artists; in the case of this album, the artwork was created by multidisciplinary artist Yulia Mahr. I wasn’t familiar with her work until recently, but I feel hugely inspired by her experimental approach of incorporating several mediums into her creations, from photography and painting to sculpture and installation. Through her work, Mahr explores the complexity of human existence and human interconnectedness.
“All Human Beings” is a beautiful and moving piece of music, an experience that stays with you long after you are done listening. It inspired me to look up the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and read it in its entirety. One of my first thoughts was that this is certainly not what our world currently looks like and that its content seems idealistic to me. But maybe that is exactly why its words should matter. Max Richter says the following:
“You know, the Declaration sets us on a kind of path, and we’ve kind of strayed from that path. The world we see around us isn’t a world which reflects the values set out by the Declaration. The project is a way to remind us of human potential, human possibilities, human creativity and imagination.
Although it isn’t a perfect document, the Declaration does represent an inspiring vision for the possibility of a better and kinder world.”
A better and kinder world. We all wish for it. More people wish for it than not wish for it. More people believe in human rights than don’t believe in it. And so many people have experienced and are currently experiencing the opposite.
This beautiful piece of music inspires me to continue believing in the many good people all over the world fighting for the freedom and dignity of all human beings.
This beautiful piece of music reminds me of the importance of speaking out and speaking up, especially for those who don’t have a voice right now.
This beautiful piece of music reminds me that art is needed and can bring about change.
This beautiful piece of music is telling me that fighting for goodness, beauty, and truth is always needed and always worth it and that being intimidated by fear and confusion is not an option.
This beautiful piece of music is spreading the hope that we are all connected through our desire for a better world.
And here is the piece for you to listen to with the lyrics below. Turn up the volume. For better quality you can, of course find it on Spotify or anywhere where you can find music. The diptychs I am sharing today are all created from cropped found vintage photographs and my own photographs.
I am going to read you the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Preamble
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world, …
Now, therefore,
The General Assembly,
proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance. …
Article 1
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights…
They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of community.
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration without distinction of any kind such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the country to which a person belongs.
…
Thank you for reading, listening and looking! It means more than you know.
Items Of Note
The “Creative Hour” for paid subscribers that was scheduled for March 22 was postponed and is now scheduled for Saturday, March 30 at 11 am CST.
This is a time for us to come together and share new or old work, give and receive feedback and discuss topics on art and creativity. Each time we have met, if’s been so refreshing and inspiring, I can’t wait to see you all again.
Wow - this is beautiful Manuela...there are no words!
Lovely diptychs Manuela!