Berlin: June 10, 2010
I am sitting in the Tiergarten, a beautiful equivalent to our Central Park, still exhilarated about the last 24 hours of life experience in what is surely the cultural capital of Europe…Berlin. I make no excuses for my partiality to this place but consider this: an argument can be made that much of the history of the last century can draw parallels and direct correlations to Berlin, a city indelibly linked to its history of contradiction…some moments glorious in nature…other moments beyond comprehension in their horror. Modern Berlin, however, soars above its darkest times by both not hiding from the past and by placing an emphasis on celebrating the human spirit.
Last night I had the privilege to hear Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra while they performed the world premiere of a full-length work for symphony and jazz orchestra, “Swing Symphony”, with Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic. We were a part of this historic occasion because our venue partner Jazz at Lincoln Center learned of our recent successful trip to Berlin and asked us to assist them in planning a week-long excursion there for members of the Board of Directors, along with some other Patrons and Friends of JALC…a task to which we were delighted to offer our expertise.
I must admit that, though I thought the week would be full of adventure, great sightseeing, dinners, and the like...I never expected that the two most indelible moments of the trip could have never been planned. The first came during the second half of the evening’s program (the first half was Petruschka by Igor Stravinsky), when you could actually feel the audience “embrace” Wynton and the rest of the JALC Orchestra in an emotional outpouring of respect for their talent. And you could even feel a current of something much more deep-rooted – that jazz music, America’s true musical gift to the rest of the world – touched their very souls. The ovations, applause and sheer delight were both contagious and stirring. The JALC Orchestra members were overwhelmed by the display of affection, especially the demonstration they received from the Philharmonic members tapping their bows, waving their instruments in an almost warrior-like chant of respect and admiration. Sir Simon commented to me backstage afterwards that he was in “awe” of the humility and grace on display by the “finest jazz musicians anywhere” – not too shabby a comment considering that the Berlin Philharmonic, under his command, is clearly one the greatest classical orchestras in the world.
His sentiment was echoed today by Ali Jackson, the drummer of the JALC Orchestra, when he spoke at a luncheon in their honor held at the home of the United States Ambassador to the Federation of Germany, Philip Murphy and his wife Tammy. Mr. Jackson stated that the entire orchestra “accepts the responsibility of representing America around the world though our music”...and the magic ability this music possesses in opening up new ideas, understanding, and mutual respect. Those of us at lunch, all of our delegation, several prominent Berliners and the Ambassador himself were speechless at how his words resonated the simple truth…we can achieve great things when there is a common bond. During the dark days of the 1930s, teenagers in Berlin and other parts of Germany found their identities in “Swing Music,” in clear defiance of the Nationalist-Socialist movement that was sweeping the country, especially Hitlerjugend (Hitler Youth). In embracing American and British ideals these Swingjugend (Swing Kids) would meet secretly in constantly changing locations to simply dance and listen to music…perhaps an unspoken link to the present day and the reception that the Berliners gave to Wynton, Ali, and the rest of the orchestra.
As I sit here now, in the shadow of a famous statue of the great Richard Wagner, whose legacy has the misfortune of being tied to the worst madman of the 20th century, I can’t help but wonder about the future of the world for my grandchildren. As long as there are beautiful Americans like the members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, I am encouraged to think it will all be okay. In the words of another great trumpet player…“and I think to myself...What a Wonderful World.”