Shakespeare, Tea, and an Accordion...

It never ceases to amaze me how music can fill a square. It may be the same town square you´ve walked through a million times, but when there is beautiful music, you begin to see everything in a different light. You can almost see and feel the music, and completely transforms the place you thought you knew so well before.

Although I know every street and corner in Marienplatz, it was completely transformed tonight. This is how it was: Charles (my Dicken´s book) and I had repaired to the Victorian House after a lovely weekend with the family. “We” spent a good hour enjoying tea, a scone, and the charming ambiance. Although the place was packed, and there were about 50 different conversations going on, I was able to dive into my book, enjoying the background noise, but not being distracted by it. It was lovely to be able to have some time to read and relax.

After tea, I ventured through the Schrannenhalle, a sort of eclectic food court with a dance floor in the center, and then wandered on through winding city streets, finally ending up in Marienplatz. Suddenly, accordion music exploded in the beautifully lit city center, suddenly filling the square with sound. Looking around to find the “music maker,” I spied the man, playing the same tune I´ve heard so many times before. He huddled under an archway, embracing his accordion and rocking back and forth in time to the music. Soon, a crowd had gathered, and what a motley crew it was! The group ranged from ladies in very fine designer clothing and fur coats, to students, to visitors from all over the world, as well as families out for a stroll with their little ones before bedtime. He played on, and I enjoyed these few moments , looking at the square in a whole new way. Everyone in the group also evidently enjoying themselves, as smiles were exchanged, making the moment even more special, as usually most people are more reserved.

The night sky also seemed somehow transformed. Although certainly hampered by the city lights, one could still see the many stars glittering above. As I was relishing the beauty of the moment, one of my favorite Shakespeare quotes came to mind. While looking up at the night sky, Lorenzo says:

“Here will we sit and let the sounds of music

Creep in our ears: soft stillness and the night

Become the touches of sweet harmony.

... Look how the floor of heaven

Is thick inlaid with patines of bright gold:

There's not the smallest orb which thou behold'st

But in his motion like an angel sings,

Still quiring to the young-eyed cherubins;

Such harmony is in immortal souls;

But whilst this muddy vesture of decay

Doth grossly close it in, we cannot hear it.”

Merchant of Venice, Act. V, Scene I.

It was so glorious, and made me so grateful that I could still find new ways to see a place I´ve called home for almost 2 years. Although my adventures in town carry me through Marienplatz fairly often, it never fails to make an impression on me each time I wander through it, and tonight was certainly no exception.