Re: Gould as Christian Existentialist

[JonEhrlich@aol.com]

In a message dated 3/26/01 3:46:37 AM Eastern Standard Time,
jpc171@HOTMAIL.COM writes:


> I take
> him for a "msytic" of no definite persuasion.
> I imagine that he can raise agressivity, hate etc., because this realm is so
> emtional that one can fear very much experiencing it...
> Gould's life and work are emotion and sprituality oriented and I am sure
> many people discover Beauty, rest by him, a place where they can breathe,
> get more thoughtful, careful of important matters...
>  


I recall reading that Gould would use the "ecstasy" to describe the core of
the musical experience.  While the term ecstasy has a broad range of
meanings, Mer.Webster gives some meanings that apply:

RAPTURE usu. implies intense bliss or beatitude <in speechless rapture>.
TRANSPORT applies to any powerful emotion that lifts one out of oneself and
usu. provokes vehement _expression_ or frenzied action

I have no idea how Gould participated in any religious experience.  I don't
know if it's relevant to his notion of ecstasy.  Ecstasy is a common form of
experience in many mystical traditions.  Since part of Gould's artistry is
creating a sense of transport or ecstasy, it is tempting to say that he was a
mystic.  

Jonathan Ehrlich