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Schultz, Wolfgang-AndreasMusic and spiritualityWhat occidental music tells us about Godcategory: Essay published in: das Orchester 06/2008, Page 30 |
How can music express spirituality? In this article, Schulz tries to explore this question, looking at the occidental tradition from Baroque to contemporary music. To be truly spiritual, it is argued, music needs to offer potential for mental growth and maturing beyond individual self-awareness and rationality. It needs to encompass sensuality, but at the same time strive for its transcendence – what Schulz, referring to the New Testament, characterises as the ways of Martha and Maria. While Baroque and classical masters often erred on the sensual side, contemporary composers, such as Pärt or Cage, too often aim for pure contemplation and abstraction. A truly spiritual music is therefore still a project of the future.