Thought For The Day – Thursday 2nd November 2023
Now And Then
“And now it’s true, it’s because of you. And if I make it through, It’s all because of you.” (The Beatles, “Now And Then”)
Today sees the global release of the final ever song from Liverpool’s The Beatles.
The song, by the late John Lennon, was found by his wife, Yoko Ono, on a tape in 1994.
In 1995, the then three remaining members of the band, Sir Paul McCartney, George Harrison MBE and Ringo Starr MBE worked on the song but, owing to the technology then, it was difficult to decipher and hear John’s vocal and piano part clearly. It was, to a certain extent, hidden.
When George passed away in 2001, the project was put on hold, perhaps never to be resurrected.
But, in 2022, Paul, Ringo and Giles Martin, the son of The Beatles’ late producer Sir George Martin, got together and, with the help of artistic and film director Peter Jackson, and the support of John’s son Sean , used modern technology on the song. They ensured John’s vocal, and piano part was clearer, separating the two, adding guitar from the late George’s recordings, as well as their own unique parts with, for example, bass guitars, drums and strings.
The end product, called “Now and Then”, is released this afternoon.
Music is very powerful and therapeutic in our lives. Music conveys important messages, expresses emotion and evokes memories both individually and collectively. Music is deeply symbolic. We all have our favourite artist, composer, performance and songs that are the soundtrack to our lives.
Those that create, perform and produce music take much practice, pride and time in crafting and creating their art. There is a quality of process and outcome. They can inspire us in all we do. Our life is our song, our album, our composition.
In just under two weeks, the school will craft and create, thanks to the staff and students involved, a memorable evening of drama and music, based on a powerful, timeless and wonderful score and story. This is based on m so many months of preparation and superb delivery in the moment. Make sure you get your tickets to “Oliver”. It will make brilliant memories, that last a life time, for performers and the audience.
The performing arts will always massively inspire. Now and then, then and now.
