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:
- Pick a Song: Choose a favorite song or create an original one.
- Record It: Use a smartphone's Voice Memo app to record the performance.
- 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.