Spirit of This Place: How Music Illuminates the Human Spirit

Artists today are at a crossroads, with funding for the arts and humanities endowments under attack and school districts scrapping their art curricula. Patrick Summers argues that art is spiritual and that music in particular has the ability to ask spiritual questions, inspire cathartic pathos, and express spiritual truths. He calls for musical artists to be innovative and brave as opera continues to reinvent itself. This book is a moving credo elucidating Summers's belief that the arts, especially music, help us to understand our own humanity as intellectual, aesthetic, and ultimately spiritual.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 176 pages
\n Publication date: 28 December 2020
\n Publisher: The University of Chicago Press
\n

Artists today find themselves at a critical juncture, facing a myriad of challenges that threaten to undermine their place in society. The ongoing assault on arts and humanities endowments, coupled with the widespread elimination of art curricula in school districts across the United States, casts a shadow of uncertainty over the future of the arts. At the same time, we are grappling with pressing global issues such as water shortages, health concerns, climate change, and the ever-present threat of terrorism, questioning the urgency of sustaining support for the arts amidst these pressing concerns. In the politically charged landscape we inhabit, the question arises whether the "felt" experience is truly worth fighting for.

In this thought-provoking collection of vignettes, Patrick Summers offers a resolute and impassioned affirmation. He argues that art, in all its forms, is essential for nurturing freedom of thought and holds greater significance than ever before. As the artistic director of the Houston Grand Opera, Summers possesses a unique vantage point to assess the limitations of the professional arts world, often characterized by its focus on financial considerations and a reputation for elitism. He endeavors to remind us of the fundamental relationship between art and joy, as well as its profound capacity to convey meaning.

Summers ardently defends the value of long-form arts in a world where attention spans tend to be fleeting. He asserts that art possesses a spiritual essence and that music, in particular, possesses the ability to delve into spiritual questions, evoke cathartic pathos, and express spiritual truths. Through his personal encounters with art and music in diverse locations, from Houston's Rothko Chapel to a music classroom in rural China, Summers reflects on the transformative power of artistic expression. He also assesses the growing canon of new operas performed in American opera houses, advocating for musical artists to be innovative and courageous as opera continues to evolve.

In conclusion, artists today stand at a crossroads, navigating a complex terrain characterized by financial constraints, educational challenges, and global concerns. However, Patrick Summers' collection of vignettes provides a compelling argument for the enduring value of art, emphasizing its role in nurturing freedom of thought, evoking spiritual truths, and bringing joy to individuals and communities. As we confront the complexities of the modern world, it is essential to recognize and support the arts as an integral part of our civic future. By valuing the "felt" experience and fostering innovation and bravery within the artistic community, we can ensure that the arts continue to thrive and enrich our lives.

\n Weight: 206g\n
Dimension: 141 x 216 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780226756196\n \n