Tonight's Response

My initial response after reading the conversation between Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said was of sheer amazement. Here are two amazing minds with vastly different intellectual backgrounds who seem to be the closest of friends. They also represent two opposing nations and yet, they are able to put aside their differences and were able to sustain a powerful friendship.

What also amazed me was how the arts drew them together. The writing told of how Edward was a person who was able to see the importance of understanding many facets of life from the arts to philosophy to literature. Daniel is a man who has a passion for music and also seems to understand how the arts are able to draw us together. Someone in our discussion time on Tuesday said how music is a language that everyone speaks and I think this friendship is an example of that. I also admire Daniel's passion in that belief. When he decided to play the piece from Triston and Isolade in spite of Israel's taboo, that shows his passion for how music is something that anyone can appreciate.

That passion for the arts as a means to draw people together is inspirational for me. As an avid participant in theatre and a former musician, I can really relate to this subject. To me, the opportunity to work alongside someone with the common goal of turning a piece of music into a masterpiece, is a special opportunity as a human being. I perceive that the arts are seen as just a means of entertainment any more to most people. That explains why it is not seen as a vital part of our education and culture anymore. These two men's friendship and the Western-Eastern Divan orchestra are examples of how the arts can bring people together. To me, this story shows more progress towards the Israelis and Palestinians achieving peace more than anything else in history.