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The Sound of Beauty: A Classical Composer on Music in the Spiritual Life
Music remains something of a mystery to many people—ephemeral sounds floating invisibly through the air—here, and then gone. This book begins with the basic question of what music actually is, scientifically, employing simple, clear explanations of wave theory and the acoustics of sound as part of God's natural creation. It presents accessible and fascinating explanations of some theories of the psychology of perception of music, how music speaks to the mind, emotions, and spirit. Some of these concepts have rarely been addressed outside the ivory tower and even more rarely been seen through the lens of Catholic theology.
Moving from music and the individual to music in the culture and the Church, the author addresses numerous issues in the context of Catholic thought, including:
immanence and transcendence in music
the Real Presence and music
Moral Theology, Natural Law and music
ordered and disordered understandings of music as it relates to the emotions
understanding the authentic meanings of "beauty" and "creativity"
the real function of music in Catholic liturgy
the role of music in evangelization
This is a kind of "layman's handbook," a comprehensive theology of all things music, which anyone can understand, written by an internationally respected classical composer and music professor at a top secular university who is also a faithful Catholic. It sheds light on the mysteries of music and furthers the spiritual formation regarding music for Catholics of many ages and walks of life.
It is groundbreaking in its comprehensive and holistic treatment of music from a Catholic perspective, and particularly timely in advocating for the renewal of the norms for music in liturgy found in the documents of Vatican II. It also presents one of the most penetrating critical examinations to be found of contemporary classical music, from an insider.
Moving from music and the individual to music in the culture and the Church, the author addresses numerous issues in the context of Catholic thought, including:
immanence and transcendence in music
the Real Presence and music
Moral Theology, Natural Law and music
ordered and disordered understandings of music as it relates to the emotions
understanding the authentic meanings of "beauty" and "creativity"
the real function of music in Catholic liturgy
the role of music in evangelization
This is a kind of "layman's handbook," a comprehensive theology of all things music, which anyone can understand, written by an internationally respected classical composer and music professor at a top secular university who is also a faithful Catholic. It sheds light on the mysteries of music and furthers the spiritual formation regarding music for Catholics of many ages and walks of life.
It is groundbreaking in its comprehensive and holistic treatment of music from a Catholic perspective, and particularly timely in advocating for the renewal of the norms for music in liturgy found in the documents of Vatican II. It also presents one of the most penetrating critical examinations to be found of contemporary classical music, from an insider.
215 pages, Paperback
Published September 21, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 2, 2020
Kurek starts with music as physics (the nature of sound waves and the ear), continues through music's effect on the emotions and the spirit, detours through the state of classical music in the world today, and finishes with a rousing call to sponsor and encourage music that is good, true, and beautiful.
He thoroughly documents the musical profession's participation in the same collapse to the bad, false, and ugly that characterized all other arts in the post-war period. Music that anybody would want to listen to more than once, was banned from professional composition and playing in favor of atonal and dischordant noise. He does see hope for the future and he feels that melodic and harmonic music is returning to the academy's favor.
After reading this book I have a better appreciation of good music, and if so I'll have Kurek to thank for many wonderful musical experiences ahead.
He thoroughly documents the musical profession's participation in the same collapse to the bad, false, and ugly that characterized all other arts in the post-war period. Music that anybody would want to listen to more than once, was banned from professional composition and playing in favor of atonal and dischordant noise. He does see hope for the future and he feels that melodic and harmonic music is returning to the academy's favor.
After reading this book I have a better appreciation of good music, and if so I'll have Kurek to thank for many wonderful musical experiences ahead.
November 21, 2019
If I ruled the world, every pastor, liturgist, church musician, and worship committee would be required to read this book.
December 29, 2020
This is a basic rundown of what music is. It's a difficult topic to tackle: How and why do we respond to music? What causes that response? It doesn't really provide answers, since everyone reacts to music differently, and there are scores of different styles and genres. Regardless, music expresses what words cannot.
He goes on a tangent about the "ugliness" of modern art and music, which I think is supposed to show what true artistic beauty is. But there's no real definition of beauty here. It's described as resolution and consonance in music (as opposed to chaos and dissonance), but that's not always the case, either.
I do like when it talks of music within the liturgy: what it's supposed to be, and what it definitely is not. Music brings reverence to worship and is a supplement to prayer, not a "praise and worship" concert. (Pet peeve: when people clap after a service.) Overall I expected more correlation between God and music, and why we respond the way we do. But maybe we just don't know.
Man's longings reach far beyond his capacity to verbalize them... these silent groanings are of an interior nature.
He goes on a tangent about the "ugliness" of modern art and music, which I think is supposed to show what true artistic beauty is. But there's no real definition of beauty here. It's described as resolution and consonance in music (as opposed to chaos and dissonance), but that's not always the case, either.
I do like when it talks of music within the liturgy: what it's supposed to be, and what it definitely is not. Music brings reverence to worship and is a supplement to prayer, not a "praise and worship" concert. (Pet peeve: when people clap after a service.) Overall I expected more correlation between God and music, and why we respond the way we do. But maybe we just don't know.
January 8, 2021
THE SOUND OF BEAUTY is a comprehensive theological gift discussing all aspects of music. This book belongs on the shelf of all Catholic parishes, pastors, and music ministry coordinators. Michael Kurek provides an explanation of liturgical music as directed by Vation II while exploring numerous perspectives of sacred and secular music. It is a treasure which should be shared and cherished by all Catholic high school and college music programs. Thank you, Michael Kurek and Ignatius Press.
December 28, 2022
A Catholic composer writes about beauty in sacred music, with an emphasis on neoclassical music and liturgical music. The proper end of liturgical music is worship, not enjoyment, therefore it ought to be written differently than the current norms of pop music.
January 7, 2023
Says much that needs to be said about the state of music in our Church and our society, and says it clearly.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews