A World of Music

Summary

Circle Round: "A World of Music" – Episode Summary

Introduction

In the November 12, 2024 episode of Circle Round, hosted by Rebecca Schear and produced by WBUR, listeners are transported into a vibrant, music-filled world inspired by Aztec folktales. Circle Round is renowned for adapting carefully selected folktales from around the globe into engaging, sound-rich radio plays aimed at children aged 3 to 103. This episode, titled "A World of Music," delves into the transformative power of music and its ability to infuse joy and unity into the world.

Story Setup

The narrative begins with Rebecca Schear setting the stage for a world devoid of music. She poses a poignant question: "Can you imagine a world without music? No songs on the radio or at parties. No concerts or musicals on the stage. Not one musical note anywhere. How might it feel to live in a world like that?" (00:35). This thought-provoking introduction leads us into the ancient realm where the gods govern the Earth's elements.

Characters Introduced:

• Sky God: Creator of the Earth and Lord of the sky, concerned about the lack of music.
• Wind God: Younger brother of Sky God, tasked with bringing music to Earth.
• Sun God: The youngest brother, possessor of the Golden Sun Kingdom, hoarder of music, and captor of musicians.

Sky God confronts Wind God about the absence of music, emphasizing its vital role in bringing happiness and cohesion among people. Wind God admits his uncertainty about what music truly is, prompting Sky God to describe it as "a magical, irresistible sound that makes people get up and dance. It makes them clap their hands and tap their toes. It makes them laugh and smile and sing" (03:14).

The Conflict with Sun God

Determined to restore music to the world, Sky God orders Wind God to steal music from Sun God, who has been monopolizing it by keeping four musicians captive in his Golden Sun Kingdom. The tension heightens as Wind God approaches the Sun Kingdom, encountering the imprisoned musicians and confronting Sun God.

A pivotal dialogue ensues:

Sky God: "No music at all?" (03:01)

Wind God: "What is music?" (03:10)

Sky God: "Music has the power to lighten hearts, to soothe souls. Without music, there is no joy. Do you understand?" (03:14)

Sun God: Upon Wind God's arrival, he angrily asserts his dominance: "How dare you barge into my Sun Kingdom like this? And how dare you disturb my music?" (07:38)

Wind God: "Because, Sun God, it isn't your music. You're holding it captive. The Earth deserves to experience its joy." (07:50)

Sun God, confident in his power, threatens Wind God: "One shot with my fire arrows and you'll be engulfed with red hot flames." (10:04). This exchange underscores the gravity of Wind God's mission and the formidable challenge posed by Sun God.

Resolution: Bringing Music Back to Earth

Despite the threats, Wind God leverages his innate qualities—swift and nimble nature—and his developing sense of rhythm to initiate a transformative jam session. As Wind God starts creating a beat, the musicians join in, leading to a spontaneous and powerful performance:

Wind God: "How about Shoom Shoom. Shoom Shoom Shoom. Shoom." (15:53)

Sun God: Reluctantly participates: "Shoom. Shoom." (16:12)

The infectious rhythm ignites the musicians' creativity, compelling them to dance and play freely. This act of rebellion sparks a cascade of joyful music that emanates from the Sun Kingdom, reaching every corner of the Earth. The result is an immediate and profound impact:

• Children laugh and play.
• Women smile and dance.
• Men sing and express emotions.
• Nature comes alive with birds warbling, crickets cheering, cicadas buzzing, and toads trilling (16:14).

Sky God welcomes the newly freed musicians: "Welcome, musicians. I see my brother, Wind God was successful in setting you free." (15:53). The harmonious collaboration between Wind God and the musicians ushers in an era where music permeates every aspect of life, fostering happiness and unity.

Sun God, witnessing the overwhelming joy music brings to the world, reconsiders his stance. He finally embraces the shared joy, allowing music to flourish without restraint: "Now it's your turn. Music can be so powerful, especially when we make our own." (14:29).

Insights and Themes

"A World of Music" beautifully illustrates several profound themes:

• The Power of Music: Demonstrates how music can uplift spirits, bring people together, and transform societies.
• Courage and Determination: Wind God's bravery in facing Sun God highlights the importance of perseverance in the pursuit of a greater good.
• Collaboration and Unity: The musicians' collective effort, guided by Wind God, showcases the strength found in working together towards a common goal.
• Change and Acceptance: Sun God's journey from hoarding music to sharing it underscores the transformative power of witnessing positive change.

Conclusion and Activity

Rebecca Schear wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with music actively. She suggests an activity where children and their grown-ups can:

1. Pick a Song: Choose a favorite song or create an original one.
2. Record It: Use a smartphone's Voice Memo app to record the performance.
3. Share It: Send the recorded song to someone they enjoy spending time with or even share it with Circle Round via email.

This interactive activity reinforces the episode's central message about the significance of music in fostering connections and spreading joy.

Credits and Acknowledgments

The episode features an impressive team:

• Adapted by: Rebecca Schear
• Edited by: Dean Russell
• Original Music and Sound Design: Eric Shyamalanis
• Artist: Sabina Hahn, who created a black-and-white coloring page related to the story.

Voice actors include Fyodor Chin, Paul Date, and John Huertas, the latter known for his roles in TV shows like This Is Us on NBC and Castle on ABC. John Huertas also directed episodes for The Irrational on NBC, Tracker on ABC, and Bosch on Amazon Prime, as well as the short film Too Jacked.

Listeners are invited to explore more about the traditional Aztec instruments featured in the story—such as the teponazli (log drum), yoyotli (shaker), kikisoani (conch horn), and the ocarina—by visiting the Circle Round website.

Engagement and Listener Feedback

Towards the episode's end, listeners share their favorite Circle Round stories, illustrating the show's broad appeal and the deep connections it fosters among its audience. Stories like "The Elephant in the Room," "Amos and the Ogre," and "Stella and the Dragon" resonate with children and grown-ups alike, highlighting the universal themes and timeless lessons embedded in each folktale.

Final Thoughts

"A World of Music" is a testament to Circle Round's mission to adapt rich, culturally diverse folktales into captivating audio experiences that educate and entertain. This episode not only celebrates the essence of music but also underscores its indispensable role in nurturing happiness, unity, and resilience within communities.

Listeners are encouraged to visit WBUR.org/CircleRound for more stories, coloring pages, and opportunities to engage further with the vibrant world of Circle Round.

Transcript

[Advertiser]

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[Rebecca Schear]

Hi, Rebecca Scheer here with some really Fun News. On February 8th, Circle Round LIVE is coming to Symphony hall in Boston and you're invited Join us for a live recording of two new episodes featuring me, composer Eric Shyamalanis, plus Boston Symphony Orchestra players and a star studded cast. Get your Tickets [e-mail] CircleRound WBUR podcasts Boston can you imagine a world without music? No songs on the radio or at parties. No concerts or musicals on the stage. Not one musical note anywhere. How might it feel to live in a world like that? In today's episode, we'll find out. I'm Rebecca Scheer and welcome to Circle Round, where story time happens all the time Today. Our story is called A World of Music. It's inspired by tales from the Aztec, an indigenous group who lived in what's now central Mexico more than 600 years ago. Some really great people came together to bring you our version of this folktale, including John Huertas. Grown ups. You may know John from such TV shows as this Is Us on NBC and Castle on ABC. As a director, he's filmed episodes of NBC's the Irrational, ABC's Tracker and Amazon Prime's Bosch. He also directed the short film Too Jacked. So circle around, everyone for A World of Music. In ancient times, long, long ago, the Earth sounded rather different than it does today. You could hear the rivers burbling, the waves crashing, the wind blowing. But the one thing you couldn't hear was music. Sky God, creator of the Earth and Lord of the sky, flashed his younger brother Windgod, a frown.

[Sky God]

Haven't you noticed that the Earth doesn't have any music? No music at all?

[Rebecca Schear]

Wind God shrugged.

[Wind God]

I'm not sure, Sky God, what is music?

[Sky God]

What is music? Music is a magical, irresistible sound that makes people get up and dance. It makes them clap their hands and tap their toes. It makes them laugh and smile and sing.

[Wind God]

Gosh, I've never seen the people do any of those things when I gust and blow through their villages. Not once have they clapped their hands or tapped their toes, let alone laughed or smiled as for singing, I'm not quite sure what that is.

[Sky God]

That's because there's no music in the world. Music has the power to lighten hearts, to soothe souls. Without music, there is no joy. Do you understand? Yes, Sky God. So the people need music?

[Wind God]

Yes, Sky God.

[Sky God]

Which is why you're going to bring it to them.

[Wind God]

Yes, Sky God.

[Sky God]

By stealing it from Sun God?

[Wind God]

Yes, Sky God. Hang on a second. You want me to steal music from Sun God?

[Sky God]

Yes. Unfortunately, our younger brother, Sun God, has been hoarding the music in his Golden Sun Kingdom. He's been holding four musicians prisoner, demanding they play only for him. You are going to free those musicians. You are going to rescue them from Sun God's clutches and bring them down to Earth.

[Wind God]

With all due respect, Sun God may be our little brother, but he is the most fearsome and ferocious of all, all the deities. He's the Lord of the sun, after all. A strong and mighty warrior who destroys his enemies with fire. As the Lord of the Wind, I am nothing but air. I don't stand a chance.

[Sky God]

Lest you forget, as the Lord of the Wind, you're also swift and nimble. Certainly you can use your quickness to your advantage. Now go, Wind God. Go and bring music to the world.

[Rebecca Schear]

There was a big blast of air as Wind God whooshed away, swirling and whirling. He blew himself higher and higher. When he spied the golden towers of the Sun Kingdom glimmering in the distance. He picked up speed, rushing faster and faster, until a curious sound reached his ears, a miraculous sound that seemed to float in the air around him. Sometimes it was high, sometimes it was low, sometimes it was fast, sometimes it was slow. And all at once, it dawned on him what it was.

[Sky God]

Music.

[Wind God]

I'm hearing music.

[Rebecca Schear]

Wind God glided up the stairway of light leading to Sun God's palace. And that's when he saw them, the four musicians. The first musician beat on a drum made of wood. The second shook a rattle full of seeds. The third tooted a horn made of shell, and the fourth blew into a flute made of. The musicians were dancing in a circle around Sun God, who looked very pleased with himself as he sat high on his throne.

[Sun God]

Keep playing, my little musicians. I must have more music. More.

[Rebecca Schear]

Wind God could see fear in the musician's eyes. Clearly they were frightened of their captor. So they followed his orders and kept playing. But the moment Wind God came bursting in on the scene.

[Wind God]

Sun God, I must speak with you.

[Rebecca Schear]

The musicians froze and the music stopped. Sun God's face blazed with fury as he shot Wind God Aglare.

[Sun God]

Well, if it isn't my blustery big brother, Wind God. How dare you barge into my Sun Kingdom like this? And how dare you disturb my music?

[Wind God]

Because, Sun God, it isn't your music. You're holding it captive. The Earth deserves to experience its joy. That's why I've come to set it free.

[Rebecca Schear]

What do you think will happen next? Will Sun God give up his music so easily? We'll find out after a quick break. If you're a Circle Round superfan, we've got a super fun opportunity for you. Join the Circle Round Club and you'll support our public radio podcast. And as this happy member raves, get cool stuff too.

[Listener]

My grandfather bought me a Circle Round membership last Christmas. I really like it because we get a stuffed lion and a reusable bag which we use all the time for library books. I also enjoy the birthday message from Rebecca Shear.

[Rebecca Schear]

Grown Ups. Sign up your superfan [e-mail] CircleRoundClub. Welcome back to Circle Round. I'm Rebecca Scheer. Today our story is called A World of Music. Before the break, Sun God was holding the world's musicians captive. So Sky God sent Wind God to the Sun Kingdom to set the musicians free. But when Wind God came in and announced his mission, his younger brother laughed.

[Sun God]

So you're going to set the music for free, are you? And just how are you going to do that, Wind God? Are you going to blow my musicians down to earth? One shot with my fire arrows and you'll be engulfed with red hot flames.

[Wind God]

First of all, Sun God, they are not your musicians. You've just been holding them prisoner. And second, let's say I do try blowing them down to Earth. If you shoot me with your fire arrows, then they'll burn up too, and they'll never play again. You wouldn't want that, would you?

[Rebecca Schear]

At the thought of being burnt to a crisp, the musicians shuddered. Sun God sneered.

[Sun God]

Listen Wingod. My musicians are happy here. They love playing for me. Right, my little music makers.

[Rebecca Schear]

Sun God shot the musicians a stern look. They quickly nodded their heads.

[Sun God]

See, they know how much I appreciate their music.

[Wind God]

But do they realize how much more they could be appreciated on Earth? The gifts they could give with their playing, the lives they could change the world. They could change.

[Rebecca Schear]

Wind God turned to the musicians.

[Wind God]

Oh marvelous makers of music, please hear me out. While you stay in the Sun Kingdom making music for an audience of one who holds you captive down on Earth, there are countless people who would do anything to hear Your songs?

[Sun God]

Oh, people shmeeple. They are mere mortals. I am a powerful God.

[Wind God]

Be that as it may, these mere mortals are forced to live in a world that is gray and joyless. Children don't laugh. Women don't dance. Men don't sing. They have plenty of sounds to fill their ears, but none to fill their hearts.

[Sun God]

Oh, the poor, poor things. Nothing to fill their hearts. What a shame.

[Wind God]

It is a shame, my dear musicians. If the people could hear the sounds that you make, they would do more than just sit there and listen and force you to play more like a certain someone we know. Who?

[Sun God]

Me.

[Wind God]

Instead, they would appreciate you so much and be moved by you so much that they would join in. They would clap their hands and tap their toes. Maybe even sing. They would help you make more music. They would jam with you. You know, it would be like.

[Sun God]

I believe we've heard enough, Wind God. Too much, in fact. So why don't you run along and return to your sad little Earth musicians. Don't play another note until he's gone. I won't share my music with anyone. Especially a windbag like him.

[Rebecca Schear]

The musicians didn't move a muscle. Windgod let out a sigh and turned to go. But then an idea popped into his head and he spun back around.

[Wind God]

Wait. I have one more thing to say.

[Sun God]

Ugh. You are a windbag, aren't you? Say your piece and make it snappy.

[Wind God]

Thank you, Sun God. What I wanted to say was.

[Sky God]

Shh.

[Sun God]

Excuse me? Are you telling me to be quiet?

[Wind God]

No, no, no. I was just saying.

[Sky God]

Shh, shh, shh, shh.

[Sun God]

What is the meaning of this? I have no idea what you're doing, Wingod.

[Rebecca Schear]

But the musicians did have an idea. Windgod was creating a beat. And as the rhythm continued, the first musician lifted his drum and began to play along. Then the second musician joined in with her rattle. Then the third musician tooted his horn and the fourth musician blew into her flute. Before long, Windgod and the musicians were in the throes of a full fledged jam session. Sun God looked on with rage.

[Sun God]

Stop this nonsense. You are my musicians and you make music for me. Just me. So cease your playing right now.

[Rebecca Schear]

But the musicians did not cease. Instead, they followed Windgod as he danced away from the throne.

[Sun God]

Halt right there. Musicians, go no further. By order of your master.

[Rebecca Schear]

The musicians paid Sun God no heed. They kept playing their music. As they danced down the Stairway of Light, Sun God clenched his fists and gnashed his teeth. He was tempted to unleash A quiver of fire arrows. But Wind God was right. Just one shot and the musicians would go up in flames.

[Sun God]

Come back, musicians. I command you, come back.

[Rebecca Schear]

But the musicians did not come back. They danced all the way to the edge of the Sun Kingdom, where Wind God motioned for them to stop.

[Wind God]

That was amazing, my friends. Now let's go teach the world to sing.

[Rebecca Schear]

The air around the musicians began to swirl and whirl. Then suddenly, a great gust of wind lifted them off their feet. They went spiraling away from the Sun Kingdom and gliding through the sky before drifting down to Earth, where Sky God called out to them in greeting.

[Sky God]

Welcome, musicians. I see my brother, Wind God was successful in setting you free.

[Wind God]

Indeed I was. You were right, Sky God. I am swift and nimble. I also, it turns out, have an amazing sense of rhythm. These players just followed my lead. Speaking of which, why don't we try something else? How about Shoom Shoom. Shoom Shoom Shoom. Shoom.

[Sun God]

Shoom. Shoom.

[Rebecca Schear]

Shoom.

[Sun God]

Shoom. Shoom Shoom.

[Rebecca Schear]

The musicians didn't hesitate. The drummer beat his drum. The rattler shook her rattle. The horn player tooted his horn. And the flute player blew her flute. And as the musicians brought beautiful, lively music to the world, do you know what happened? Children lifted their heads and began to laugh. Women broke into smiles and began to dance. Men wiped their tears and began to sing. What's more, the birds opened their beaks and began to warble. The crickets rubbed their legs together and began to cheer. The cicadas buzzed. The toads trilled. And suddenly, the forests and valleys and deserts and mountains were filled with the sound of music. From that day on, music covered the earth. But it didn't stop there. Wind God used his winds to carry the music up to the heavens so that Sun God could hear it, too. Only this time, the mighty deity didn't try to steal it. When he saw how much happiness it brought the world, he was more than happy to share. Now it's your turn. Music can be so powerful, especially when we make our own. So pick a song you like, or write a new one. Then record yourself singing it or playing it on an instrument a grown up can help you record by using the Voice Memo app on a smartphone. Once you're done, send your song to someone you have fun with. And if you'd like, send it to us. We'd love to hear it. Our email address is circleroundbur.org this week's episode, A World of Music was adapted by me, Rebecca Shear. It was edited by Dean Russell. Our original music and sounds design is by Eric Shimalonis. Our artist is Sabina Hahn. Sabina has created a black and white coloring page for all of our Circle Round stories and you can print them out and color them in Grown Ups. Visit our website WBUR.org CircleRound and click on coloring pages. Special thanks to this week's actors, Fyodor Chin, Paul Date and John Huertas. John Huertas has starred on such television shows as this Is Us on NBC and Castle on ABC. As a director, he's filmed episodes of NBC's the Irrational, ABC's Tracker and Amazon Prime's Bosch. He also directed the short film Too Jacked. And kids, you can hear John's voice in an earlier Circle Round episode, the Unfair Cher. Listen on our website WBUR.org CircleRound or wherever you get your podcasts. Our featured instruments this week were the teponazli or log drum, the yoyotli or shaker, the kikisoani or conch horn, and the clay flute known as the ocarina. To learn more about these instruments, traditional to Aztec culture, and to see a photo of Eric Shyamalanis playing them, visit our website. Again, that's WBUR.org CircleRound Grown Ups. If you enjoy Circle Round, please leave us a five star review on your favorite podcast app. It helps other listeners find the show so we can make the Circle Round sound circle even bigger. Circle Round is a production of wbur, Boston's NPR News station. I'm Rebecca Scheer. Thanks for Circling Round with us. Now that you've made it to the end of this Circle Round episode, we want to know what's your favorite Circle Round story? Thousands of fans just like you have been telling us about the Circle Round stories they like best. Take a listen. Maybe one of their favorites is one of yours too.

[Listener]

My name is Maya. I am from Canada. My favorite episode is the Elephant in the Room. My name is Izzy and I live in Fayetteville, Tennessee. And my favorite circle around is Amos and the Ogre because I like the part when Amos checks the ogre. My name is My name is Florence. I live in Marville, New Jersey. My favorite Circle story is A Bee in the Bush. My favorite part is when the landlord shouts in front of the judge and Rose and her mother don't have to pay rent for the next three months and three years. My name is Maggie, I live in California. And my favorite Circle Round story is the Nine Sticks. And my favorite part is when the emperor sends his servants to get his ring, but all of the servants come back and reporting that the ring is gone. My name is Gusty and I live in Yarmouth, Maine. My favorite song story is the Fairy Fort. My favorite part is when she goes to play her instrument in front of the fairyfoot. My name is Shep and I live in Yarmouth, Maine. My favorite circle round story is the Blue Pebble. I like the part when Otto turns into the pig and runs away from the man. My name is Maeve, I live in Walford, Massachusetts and my favorite circle round story is Stella and the Dragon. I like the part where she says my name is Stella the Powerful.

[Rebecca Schear]

Did someone mention a story you've missed? Not to worry grown ups. You can find all of our Circle Round stories plus links to the Circle Round Club, picture books, coloring pages, and oh so much more on our website WBUR.org CircleRound.