As we taxied from the gate in JFK, in our Cathay Pacific 777-300ER on our way to Hong Kong, back in June, I was struck by this music in the inflight entertainment headphones. It was simply magnificent. The music started playing automatically from the “Classical Moods” section of inflight music.

At first, I had no idea what it was. Was it some British anthem? Was it the some score written for Cathay Pacific? Was it some majestic melodious music meant for meditation? Whatever it was, I knew I was listening to greatness. It was so powerful, so majestic, so imperial.

The notes in harmony, along with the rumbling timpani drums was so much I almost shed a tear! A tear of pride. I was traveling on a plane operated by the company that I was going to work for — a highly esteemed company that flies all around the world in amazing airplanes and is considered the zenith of aviation aspirations (at least my own).

The music made me think of old British royalty, with their white wigs, long canes, and curled pipes, all marching into a throne room. To be in that room would have meant to be amongst greatness. And for me, sitting in that business seat, behind that Cathay cockpit crew, on that beautiful 777, headed for Hong Kong, I too, was seated amongst greatness. The music made it all the more real for me, as it painted a picture of pride in my mind. Proud to be apart of such a great team. Proud to have made it this far. And hopefully, humble enough to attain the greatness that exudes from an international flight crew like this one, skillfully navigating half way across the world with hundreds of lives in their hands.

I know this all sounds like my head has exploded, but really, it was just an overwhelming experience, riding on that plane and hearing such wonderful music. I felt a little like Salieri, when he first met Mozart, and realized his own insignificance because he was truly in the presence of greatness.

This is truly one of my favorite passages of classical music — so much so, I bought the album! Want to hear it yourself? I found out the title is Music for the Royal Fireworks, by Handel. Preview and buy it here.