MuddRM wrote:
If I remember correctly (and it’s been over 40 years since I got my BA in music history), the pagentry of the ancient catholic (read that as Christian) church had some influence on what is now the modern musical stage, be it Opera, Broadway, or the West end of London.
For example, I’m planning to sing Charles Gounod’s Repentir, better known as O divine Redeemer on Maundy Thursday. The text suggests a person, who is in extreme torment, praying to the Redeemer of this world for absolution. If the singer is to do this number right, he or she has to put him- or herself in this sinner’s place. Believe me, the only other time I sung this, I was totally drained. Even right now, when I’m rehearsing this number, I’m completely exhausted emotionally and close to a meltdown. Even listening to this piece being performed by somewhat akin to Renee Fleming, Jesseye Norman or Jussi Bjoerling starts the waterworks.
As an aside, I find that most contemporary Christian music, especially praise band charts, are essentially devoid of any kind of meaning, or scriptural use.
I guess it’s true what a former church music director, now retired, told me several years ago: he and I are dinosaurs, the last of a dying breed of musicians.
I think it’s also that contemporary Christian music is not interesting/sublime musically. I can be moved to tears by music even if I can’t understand the lyrics. My uncle played the drums in his Pentecostal church’s band. That music was decidedly NOT moving.
(A singer like Jessye Norman always helps, too. Her rendition of Four Last Songs is just so beautiful and moving.)
Catholic music and art is fantastic. I enjoy listening to Gregorian chant.
_________________
“The darkness shall be the light, and the stillness the dancing.”
— from Four Quartets by T.S. Eliot
18 Feb 2023, 4:16 am
