Innovation

By Pastor Paul Gauche

Today’s Word: ‘Innovation‘ as in… part of Thriv’ëra’s Creative Manifesto is this: We believe that we thrive as creative people by discovering our identity and purpose in the world as we explore our creative impulses and delight in the wonder of imagination and the power of innovation.

What is innovation? Innovation is an outgrowth of creativity. Innovation is acting on the creativity already in us to create something new or explore new ways of doing things.

You may know the story of a young boy named Amadeus Mozart. He had a thing for music. While visiting the Sistine Chapel, he heard the choir perform “Miserere Mei, Deus,” translated as “Have Mercy on Me, O God.” This choral piece was composed during the early 1600s by Gregorio Allegri. It became part of the observance of Triduum, the Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday services, stipulating that no one could reproduce or play it anywhere other than the Sistine Chapel. Transcribing or playing this music anywhere other than the Sistine Chapel was forbidden and could result in ex-communication. The musical manuscript remained under lock and key for 150 years.

However, after hearing this piece performed, 14-year-old Amadeus went home and transcribed what he had heard only once in the great Sistine Chapel. The result was a 15-minute long, 9-part choral song. Historians note, “Essentially, Mozart transcribed nine different lines of melody, playing all at once for 15 minutes straight, from his own memory after hearing the song only once. Not only was he able to transcribe the song, but he also did it perfectly in one try.”

Mozart, the innovator, was familiar with taking the twelve musical notes and rearranging them in new ways. But, after hearing “Miserere Mei, Deus” only once, he let his creative, innovative genius flow in a new direction. He used his innovative ability to create a new way of experiencing musical delight. Simply amazing. Lord, have mercy!

Thriving Reflections:

++ How do you define innovation?

++ Where do you experience innovation in your life?

++ How does innovation bring a sense of thriving to you?

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