Silent Harmony

The contributions in this volume focus on the ways in which silence and music relate, contemplate each other and provide new avenues for addressing and gaining understanding of various realms of human endeavour. The book maps out this little-explored aspect of the sonic arena with the intention of defining the breadth of scope and to introduce interdisciplinary paths of exploration as a way forward for future discourse. Topics addressed include the idea of 'silent music' in the work of English philosopher Peter Sterry and Spanish Jesuit St John of the Cross; the apparently paradoxical contemplation of silence through the medium of music by Messiaen and the relationship between silence and faith; the aesthetics of Susan Sontag applied to Cage's idea of silence; silence as a different means of understanding musical texture; ways of thinking about silences in music produced during therapy sessions as a form of communication; music and silence in film, including the idea that music can function as silence; and the function of silence in early chant. Perhaps the most all-pervasive theme of the book is that of silence and nothingness, music and spirituality: a theme that has appeared in writings on John Cage but not, in a broader sense, in scholarly writing. The book reveals that unexpected concepts and ways of thinking emerge from looking at sound in relation to its antithesis, encompassing not just Western art traditions, but the relationship between music, silence, the human psyche and sociological trends - ultimately, providing deeper understanding of the elemental places both music and silence hold within world philosophies and fundamental states of being. Silence, Music, Silent Music will appeal to those working in the fields of musicology, psychology of religion, gender studies, aesthetics and philosophy.

Silence—scary, inviting, or both? What do you do with silence? And what if silence was a language we could learn to read, hear, and even speak? This book invites you to tune the eyes and ears of your heart to the cadences of silence. Enter into conversations with silence as you are taken on an odyssey. Venture into the Australian bush. Trek deep into the red desert. Encounter shadows and desert dwellers. You will also delve into the tiny houses of everyday silences and receive their gifts of hospitality. And stumbling into that other territory, where silence becomes a death threat, or survival, an orchard can show you the fruit of life beginning again. Conversations with Silence takes you to the Rosetta Stone of an ancient, forgotten language, a language some have called God, or the soul. Immerse yourself in the silent realm of mystics, musicians, poets, and pilgrims of every path. These are our companions, as we explore the nuanced vocabulary of the worlds of silences and join in the conversation with a new voice.

Following the creation of the United States, profound disagreements remained over how to secure the survival of the republic and unite its diverse population. In this pathbreaking account, Billy Coleman uses the history of American music to illuminate the relationship between elite power and the people from the early national period to the Civil War. Based on deep archival research in sources such as music periodicals, songbooks, and manuals for musical instruction, Coleman argues that a particular ideal of musical power provided conservative elites with an attractive road map for producing the harmonious union they desired. He reassesses the logic behind the decision to compose popular patriotic anthems like "The Star-Spangled Banner," reconsiders the purpose of early American campaign songs, and brings to life a host of often forgotten but fascinating musical organizations and individuals. The result is not only a striking interpretation of music in American political life but also a fresh understanding of conflicts that continue to animate American democracy.

This collection of inspirational passages and anecdotes blends the common-sense thinking of western philosophy and the mystical wisdom of eastern disciplines. It is based on the belief that our journey through life is most peaceful and fulfilling when we learn to recognise and take charge of our chosen destiny, knowing when to direct the flow and when to yield to it. Organised in an easy-to-read format and grouped by subjects such as truth, chaos, freedom and wisdom, this book encourages each reader to freely discover his or her own road to inner harmony.

Vivienne Taylor, an equine empath who can sense horses' feelings and a new scholarship student at Fairmont Riding Academy, cannot read her new mount's mind and believes it may have something to do with Harmony's previous owner's sudden death.

She’s my cousin. A cousin through marriage, not blood, but the family won’t see it that way. And in my world, family means everything. At least...I always thought so. Being part of a large mafia family is my right, my duty, and my calling. Adopted at fifteen by my uncle, I became a Sabino. Everything I am is because of how they trained me. I’m a man with only one weakness…her. Now she’s in trouble because she’s spoiled, impulsive…intoxicating. When the situation gets out of hand, I know I have to help her. Which is a terrible idea. Because I don’t know how much longer I can resist her… Keeping Harmony is a full-length enemies-to-lovers forbidden romance that is intended for mature readers. This is book three in the Denver Series and should be read after Beautifully Broken. If you are not a fan of morally grey alphaholes or sassy, feisty females, then you should keep scrolling. This book will contain themes that some readers may find triggering or offensive, such as dark themes, sexual/violent content, excessive swearing, and smouldering heat. If you’re still here and interested, buckle up, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

God uses all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. Orphaned by the Civil War, three sisters struggle to keep the family farm solvent. Eldest, Lucinda must mother her deaf daughter, Harmony and mediate between her dueling siblings, Servilia and Melody. The sisters' fragile truce is shattered by the arrival of the handsome Ezekiel Sheffield, coming to establish a school for the deaf. Miracles, mayhem, and marriage ensue, but nothing ever comes easy.