Gratitude

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”    – G. K. Chesterton
“The root of joy is gratefulness.” – David Steindl-Rast

Modern research tells us that gratitude increases happiness, optimism, energy and resilience, and improves mental and physical health, sleep, relationships and (apparently) even personality. There are thus many good rational reasons for cultivating gratitude. But when we feel truly grateful we are not thinking about the benefits for ourselves! Our focus is on the person or thing we are grateful to: other people, the world, God or Nature. Gratitude is a feeling directed outside of our limited selves – that is why it has been advocated by all the major religions, by the Roman philosopher Cicero (“gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others”), and by many other thinkers in a variety of cultures and eras. As Montesquieu put it, “there is only one thing that can form a bond between men, and that is gratitude.”

My new orchestral composition, Gratitude, is a small gesture of thanks for what I have learnt about the human spirit from survivors of trauma or great loss, for the understanding I have gained from those who (intentionally or otherwise) have shown me my own limitations, and, last but not least, for the beauty of the natural world.

A brief sample of the music:

Gratitude is available in full for streaming or download from Spotify, iTunes/Apple Music, Amazon and CD Baby.

Gratitude is an instrumental piece, but it could potentially be made into a memorable song or anthem if suitable lyrics can be found. If you have any suggestions for words that fit the melody, preferably copyright-free (they don’t need to refer specifically to gratitude), please contact me: CONTACT.

Gratitude is a companion piece to Nostalgia (see ORCHESTRAL MUSIC). The plan is to eventually create a collection or suite of pieces for bassoon and orchestra reflecting various moods or states of mind.

Gratitude is now also on YouTube, with suitable imagery added: https://youtu.be/aFmfBdLH7s8.

And so is Nostalgia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEW3tokXHCY.