KillingClassicalMusic

As I’m sure all are keenly aware, today is the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy.  To mark that occasion, I would like simply to share this video of John Adams’ On The Transmigration of Souls, written to commemorate the victims of that day.  The fact that this piece for composed for chorus is an important fact for me.  Augustine said rightly that to sing is to pray twice.  In singing, the power of breath is merged with the mystery of music.  Through singing the words and names in this piece, those whose breath was taken away are merged into greater mystery by music.

I believe that all music is sacred music, that it’s not a text that imbues mere sound in time with a sense of the sacred.  At a time of reflection such as today is, I think we see more than usual how true that is, and we experience the sacred mystery and wonder that hides within our music.

Peace to all,

Grant Charles Chaput