It has occured to me that certain elements seem to be present whenever a musician or composer wishes to express spiritual ecstasy in music. Frequently, we hear repetitive musical phrases with an upbeat rhythm and a profound feeling of joy with notes being played in the upper registers. It also seems to cross musical and cultural borders. This observation has led me to think that somewhere in the human mind there is a common way of expressing such feelings. Here are five examples which I think may demonstrate this, see if you agree?
Arvo Part: Arbos for 4 trumpets 4 trombones and percussion
Zap Mama: Brrrlak Accapella
Lou Harrison: Suite for Violin and American Gamelan; II Estampie
John Coltrane: My Favorite things, from timing 7:10 when the melody is played to about 12:10
Frank Zappa: Revised music for low budget orchestra, from timing 4:30 to 5:55