Western Music

[Lydia]

I was listening to Handel's Oratorio, Samson.
Words by John Milton, music by Handel, sung by Dame Joan Sutherland.
It is beautiful and moving, based upon the story of the prophet, Samson from the book of Judges.
Yet, I know that many Orthodox teachers advise us to shun western music.
I was wondering how some of you felt about western music in general and if anyone would like to discuss the subject.

[jgress]

People can get very extreme and fanatical about these things.

I suppose that, in your private life and struggles, if you feel even classical music is impeding your spiritual life, don't listen to it. But I'm skeptical of anyone going around calling it a "sin". That smacks more of pseudo-piety, which you find especially online: people make up for their own spiritual shortcomings by preaching fire and brimstone on the internet.

Some pious people make it a habit not to listen to any secular music, even classical music, during Lent. As always, talk it through with your spiritual father.

[Maria]

I was listening to Handel's Oratorio, Samson.
Words by John Milton, music by Handel, sung by Dame Joan Sutherland.
It is beautiful and moving, based upon the story of the prophet, Samson from the book of Judges.
Yet, I know that many Orthodox teachers advise us to shun western music.
I was wondering how some of you felt about western music in general and if anyone would like to discuss the subject.

During our drive across the Valley, my husband and I were listening to classical music.

The concert was glorious as the music helped to keep us focused even though there were jerks out there cutting us off and almost causing several accidents.

Some people may criticize us for not purchasing a new CD tape deck so that we can listen to Byzantine Chant or taped sermons while driving, but give me a break. With the sour economy, we do not have much discretionary income left over after we pay our bills. Our discretionary income must be used to pay for car repairs.

However, we spend many of our days at home listening to byzantine chant online at Ancient Faith Radio while we do our household chores and hobbies. As we are still in the Paschal Season, I really enjoy The Angel Cried, which is one of my favorite paschal hymns.

[Barbara]

That's too bad about car repairs - expensive, aren't they often, too ?

I think that Western classical SACRED music is very beneficial. Contrary to most, I am sure.
I think that it helps uplift the soul and that a balance is important.
TOO MUCH Eastern Chant can almost get one into a hypnotic state or otherworldly, hence not as able to handle
practical things. That is dangerous in the everyday world. One has to be alert. Calm but aware, not off in another zone entirely.

Gregorian Chant does not have that effect on me anyway. I like the many Masses composed by sincerely religious composers,
such as Morales or Monteverdi .

I tend to study about the characters of the composers to help determine to which I want to listen.

Early Music is REALLY neat. It vividly brings the feel of the early medieval Church coming right through to the present day.

Handel was certainly inspired by Angels to compose the Messiah. And many others, too.
I think it's a shame to cut oneself off from any such compositions which are either spiritual or elevating, as a change from the usual Eastern Orthodox CD's.

By the way, I even like Marie Keyrouz, the Lebanese Maronite nun who sings so beautifully. I have not heard any of her music for a long time,
just because the CD's are not easily accessible. Otherwise, I would.

I think a change is always helpful to keep minds fresh and sparkling !

Good topic, Lydia, thanks for bringing it up for all of us to consider.

[jgress]

I love "early music" like Monteverdi.

[Maria]

I love "early music" like Monteverdi.

Yes, I also appreciate Monteverdi.

[JamesR]

I don't know, but how about western literature? I like rather dark books such as Faust because it relates so much to my spiritual doubts and problems.