The Transcendent Power of Music
“I put on my Mozart CD so that I could feel.” This comment came from a conversation I had with my husband after reading the Spiritual Lives of the Great Composers together. Chad was called to 18 months of active duty service and while deployed spent a year in the Ar Ramadi, Iraq area. He used this music to get away from the war. I think his statement was an accurate description of what music can do for a person, and depending on what type of music is chosen for listening are the feelings that will be experienced. “Music is the shorthand of emotion.” (Leo Tolstoy)
Music can express joy, sorrow, hope, love and can most significantly be a devotion to God. I believe that many composers of the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic musical era were inspired by God to bring heavenly beauty down to earth. I am amazed at the quality and quantity of music produced in the 18th and 19th centuries in addition to the musical genius of those eras. I found a common thread running through the lives of the most influential composers of all time and that thread is a deep and abiding testimony of a living God and the study of the Holy Bible. These men were endowed with musical genius and fulfilled their divine mission by giving the world part of their heart and soul in the form of music. They brought joy, edification, perspective and refinement to humanity and their cumulative gift is without measure.
“(They) open a vista to the universe. After experiencing (this music), people feel there is meaning to life after all.” (Helmut Walcha)In my opinion, I think these master composers were opening the way for the spirit of the Lord to be felt. I believe that there was a spiritual famine that spanned many years and people weren’t getting fed by preachers and clergy with the sermons and dogma of the time, plus conflicting messages from different denominations and churches was confusing. However, many of the composers felt that it was their duty and calling to praise God and bring enlightenment through the music they wrote. “Nothing higher exists than to approach God… and from that to extend His glory among humanity.” (Beethoven) Johann Sebastian Bach believed that music was, “For the glory of the most high God alone, and for my neighbor to learn from.” I feel the music created during the Baroque, Classical and Romantic time is of an enduring and eternal quality that lifts and ennobles man. It is a conduit of the Holy Spirit and enriches all who will listen to it with not only their ears but their hearts also. The music written specifically for church services was sacred and it is a pure form of worship. “There is nothing in the world so much like prayer as music is.” (William P. Merrill) I think it is a beautiful sentiment that Bach signed his work with the letters, “J.J.” (Jesu Juva---Help me Jesus) It was his hope and prayer to express his religious devotion and share that devotion with others. The symbolism in Bach’s work is proof to his depth and understanding of the Holy Scriptures. He used this method to teach about the life and mission of Jesus Christ.
Many composers had to face adversity in the form of financial difficulty, discouragement from pursuing their passion, and physical ailments; however, they did not let roadblocks or trials stop them from fulfilling their commitment in life. The great composers had sensitivity to spiritual things and trusted in the Lord to lead them on the path that they should walk in life. Comfort was given to them, “Even on the most troubled days, there is certain peace for those who have the single felicity to be Christians.” (Liszt) Through their faith and hope these master composers were able to engage in their mission because they felt it was a calling from God. They knew that they were endowed with talents from on high. “I know that God has favored me, and recognize it thankfully. I also believe that I have done my duty and have been of use to the world through my works. Let others do the same!” (Haydn) Learning about these men’s faith, fortitude, and diligence has made me feel like I too have a calling or mission in life that I can complete if I have the discernment and courage to take upon myself the task. I also want to be of use to the world and am inspired by their greatness. I feel the same feelings that Beethoven did when he said, “Almighty God, you look down into my innermost soul, you see into my heart and you know that it is filled with love for humanity and a desire to do good.”
I believe that as human beings we have a dual nature---spirit and flesh. When we listen to a beautiful symphony by Haydn, Mozart, or Handel we are partaking of something divine. This genre of music has an ethereal quality that can comfort and lift person’s thoughts towards God. “Music is a discipline, and a mistress of order and good manners, she makes the people milder and gentler, more moral and more reasonable.” (Martin Luther) The power that music has to change a person’s feelings and thoughts is a testament to the influence it has. What we put into our minds by reading, listening, or what we gaze upon eventually becomes who we are. Unfortunately the mass of music produced today is without merit. Generally speaking, the popular music of today appeals to the “natural man” with the heavy beat, monotonous words, and shallow content. Shubert deplores certain music that “engenders in people not love but madness: which rouses them to scornful laughter instead of lifting up their thoughts to God.” I agree with his thoughts and hope that I can cultivate my tastes to include only the best the world of music has to offer and disregard the rest. I have a wide variety of music that I enjoy listening to, but I know that if I keep my focus on the popular tunes of the day I will be missing out on a large scope of music that can be edifying. “My lord, I should be sorry if I only entertain them. I wish to make them better.” (Handel) I do feel like a better person after listening to The Messiah or a concerto by Beethoven. Music’s purpose is, “to ennoble, to comfort, to purify man, to bless and praise God.” (Liszt) I now feel a strong responsibility to choose wisely the music I have playing in my home and that of which my children are exposed to.
“Music expresses feeling and thought, without language; it was below and before speech, and it is above and beyond all words.” (Robert G. Ingersoll) I stand in great admiration of the master composers and am grateful for the inspiration and delight that their music brings to me. I want to gain the depth of understanding that they had of the Bible because I believe this is where their illumination came from. The sublime feelings that I have when I hear music from the masters is proof to me of their divine mission to enlighten the world and bring joy. I agree with this sentiment that, “Music is what feelings sound like.” (Author Unknown)
Copyright L.L. Williams