Wow, this is all very deep. That Boethius fellow was amazing. I've had to really think deeply and will have to read it many times. But I do think I begin to understand the gist of what he means. I was thinking how singing Gregorian chant always makes me feel closer to God, closer to feeling like myself and my place in the universe. When I had to move and could no longer sing in my schola for Mass (there being no TLM near me), I began to feel unmoored and almost physically affected. Then I remembered a story I read years ago about a monastery (probably Benedictine) whose monks chanted the Mass and the hours from the monastery's inception. Then came Vatican II and they no longer chanted. To a man, they all got physically sick from the absence of chanting. It was their spiritual lifeblood. So I can see what Boethius is talking about. I need to read this again and think more about it. Wonderful information and thinking you are sharing with us so generously!
Thanks for commenting, Shannon. I'm glad that this post has given you some food for thought—music is such a wonderful and powerful thing, and perhaps we as a society will more enthusiastically labor for its restoration if we more fully understand its fundamental role in human life and its mysterious, transformative essence.
That story about the monks getting physically sick from the absence of chanting is amazing, and a perfect addition to the ideas discussed in this post!
I forgot to add the rest of the story. Once the source of the problem was finally recognized, the monks resumed chanting and they all recovered very quickly! This story came to me 2nd hand many years ago from a reputable source, and it makes perfect sense.
I'm reminded of one of my favorite definitions of music from the Indian musician Gita Sarabhai. Although it's not from the Western tradition, I think that Pythagoras would agree --
The purpose of music is "to sober and quiet the mind, thus rendering it susceptible to divine influences".
Interesting. Sarabhai's comment seems to suggest that music makes us susceptible to divine influences only if it has a quieting or perhaps "centering" effect.
I love the short monk! This is a good read, I've often thought the dissonant "music" so common in the last century, actually reflects the disordered nature of humanity at this time. Art reflects society.
Yes, the medieval (and classical) attitude toward music definitely invites us to reflect on certain types of modern music. Why did these musical styles emerge when they did? And how do they affect the minds and souls of listeners?
I love the idea of music of the universe and the soul. It is such a shame that in humanity moving forward, we have left behind ancient wisdom. In fallacy of progression, is we think enlightenment was leaving behind spiritual truths and moving towards THE truth, and here is when we lost our way.
Wow, this is all very deep. That Boethius fellow was amazing. I've had to really think deeply and will have to read it many times. But I do think I begin to understand the gist of what he means. I was thinking how singing Gregorian chant always makes me feel closer to God, closer to feeling like myself and my place in the universe. When I had to move and could no longer sing in my schola for Mass (there being no TLM near me), I began to feel unmoored and almost physically affected. Then I remembered a story I read years ago about a monastery (probably Benedictine) whose monks chanted the Mass and the hours from the monastery's inception. Then came Vatican II and they no longer chanted. To a man, they all got physically sick from the absence of chanting. It was their spiritual lifeblood. So I can see what Boethius is talking about. I need to read this again and think more about it. Wonderful information and thinking you are sharing with us so generously!
Thanks for commenting, Shannon. I'm glad that this post has given you some food for thought—music is such a wonderful and powerful thing, and perhaps we as a society will more enthusiastically labor for its restoration if we more fully understand its fundamental role in human life and its mysterious, transformative essence.
That story about the monks getting physically sick from the absence of chanting is amazing, and a perfect addition to the ideas discussed in this post!
I forgot to add the rest of the story. Once the source of the problem was finally recognized, the monks resumed chanting and they all recovered very quickly! This story came to me 2nd hand many years ago from a reputable source, and it makes perfect sense.
A remarkable story—I've never heard anything quite like it!
Wonderful.
I'm reminded of one of my favorite definitions of music from the Indian musician Gita Sarabhai. Although it's not from the Western tradition, I think that Pythagoras would agree --
The purpose of music is "to sober and quiet the mind, thus rendering it susceptible to divine influences".
Interesting. Sarabhai's comment seems to suggest that music makes us susceptible to divine influences only if it has a quieting or perhaps "centering" effect.
Right! It's Gregorian chant vs. Limp Bizkit.
Bahahaha, and bang on
I love the short monk! This is a good read, I've often thought the dissonant "music" so common in the last century, actually reflects the disordered nature of humanity at this time. Art reflects society.
Yes, the medieval (and classical) attitude toward music definitely invites us to reflect on certain types of modern music. Why did these musical styles emerge when they did? And how do they affect the minds and souls of listeners?
I love the idea of music of the universe and the soul. It is such a shame that in humanity moving forward, we have left behind ancient wisdom. In fallacy of progression, is we think enlightenment was leaving behind spiritual truths and moving towards THE truth, and here is when we lost our way.
Yes, if humanity is determined to keep moving "forward," we need to bring the wisdom of the past with us!
This is great! Thanks so much for posting.
You're welcome, thanks for reading!
Your description of musica humana seems perfectly timed with Olympics. There is truly something musical about how these athletes move.
Wow, that connection didn't occur to me at all, but I like it!