“Music has charms to soothe a savage breast,
To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.”
-William Congreve (1670-1729)
No, that’s not a typo. We’ve all heard it as “savage beast” but it really was said “savage breast.” And I think it is more effective that way. A savage breast says to me, “an angry heart,” and I can see that as being hard and cold. There is a lot of power there, but Congreve uses the word “charms” instead. Interesting… the power of music comes not from sheer strength but from its charms, from its subtle, gentle effect on our soul.”
-Lissa Coffey
