Charles Ives The Unanswered Question
The trumpet in Charles Ives’ piece asks the same question over and over again, but what is the question and how we will ever know the answer?
This task will work best if you can listen to the piece on headphones, in a darkened room…..
1. Watch the introduction to Charles Ives’ piece from London Symphony Orchestra’s Space concert (above, scroll to 0’18 for introduction). Try to work out what the question is. Maybe there’s a question that’s troubling you, something with no real answer. Perhaps something like ‘why am I worried?’ or ‘what’s going to happen?’ Decide on your unanswered question.
2. Get really comfy. Maybe turn the lights off in your room or close the curtains. If you can, play the music through headphones and get yourself into a really comfy position – lie on the floor or curl up in your favourite chair.
3. Now try to empty your mind completely. Slow down your breathing and relax.
4. Listen to Charles Ives’ piece (full piece at 2’30). Whenever you hear the question (trumpet), allow your unanswered question to drift into your mind. When the flutes answer, shake your head and shake the question away.
When the music has finished, hopefully you’ll feel calm and relaxed. If your question is still bothering you, talk to someone about it or write it on a piece of paper and throw it away. If it doesn’t have an answer, there’s nothing you can do about it anyway. Use Charles Ives’ wonderful piece whenever you feel troubled, perhaps one day it will provide the answer for you!