In the midst of the holiday commercialism, the spiritual
core of the season may be found. Music has its spiritual side throughout the
year, as Tomoko can testify to. Indeed, music and religion have played an
important part of her entire life.
Tomoko recalls, “My mother’s parents were Greek Orthodox,
they would say the Hail Mary and so on. Later they became Buddhist, but had to
practice their religion underground.” Then she thinks about her husband, “My
husband’s country, Hungary, was religious. He also went to a Catholic boy’s
high school, which was very traditional. They were very strict: no communion if
you weren’t Roman Catholic.”
Tomoko recounts her own early religious experiences. “I
remember Billy Graham. When I was 14, he came to the mission school. He had a harp
brought along to play Christian songs; it was so impressive. Everyone there
could feel religious together.” She continues, In that respect, evangelism is
fantastic. Church gives you belief.”
And music gives you soul. “When was I was disappointed in
myself, the piano could lift me high,” Tomoko says. To her, “All composers are
guardian angels.” She explains, “I feel so much pressure, but I have Chopin.
Everyone accepts the soulfulness of his music.” She adds, “Did you know that he
composed next door to a monastery? He lived in the area because of his asthma.”
Tomoko relates the spiritual side of other composers. “Listen
to Liszt’s compositions. His philosophy
is so beautiful. He was a very religious man.” She then goes back in time. “The
Bach brother were so strict – even at night they had to copy fugues. They had a
monastery type of education, which can
be felt in the St.Matthew's Requiem.”
Tomoko concludes, “Everyone needs food, sleep, and emotion.”
Music can give you that passion, which has its spiritual and religious side. ‘Tis
the season – throughout one’s life.
