Instruments Under Glass

Musical instruments under glass. (Click picture for larger view)

"People of talent resemble a musical instrument more closely than they do a musician. Without outside help, they produce not a single sound, but given even the slightest touch, and a magnificent tune emanates from them." ~ Franz Grillparzer (1791-1872), Austrian author. Notebooks and Diaries (1811-1816)

A display of musical instruments caught my eye, in an airport no less. It's amazing what you can stumble upon in your travels. Once, Nyssa and I decided to walk the underground passageway between terminals in Atlanta rather than taking the train. We had several hours before the flight to Austria and we saw a sign announcing an art exhibit ahead. Paintings and photographs lined the walls on either side and sculpture of wood, stone, and bronze were set in various sections. Padded benches afforded a place to rest and contemplate and the lighting was complementary to the pieces; I forgot we were under a bustling taxiway between the terminals. A few of the sculpted pieces bore signs that read "Please, touch!"; the smooth wood already caressed by the artist many times, felt cool and slick. I thought it magnificent.

And these instruments, guitar and two trumpets, had the same well-worn look of the much touched sculpture. Instruments that were well loved, long used and gloriously played to make beautiful music for thousands. If the sounds of jazz or romantic guitar had been serenading us under Atlanta that day; it would have been perfection.

Submission for Tuesday's Photos topic "musical instruments". (end of post)