Compelling piece on choral works of some of the greatest such as Bach, Telemann, and Handel, but mainly focusing the 'Passion' works of Johann Sebastian's. Controversial lyrics are mainly the cause of debate, but the piece delves into elaborate discussions about the use of music to emphasize the libretto as well as the reflection of the times these pieces were composed. Bach's music by itself evokes emotional response from listeners, but understanding the content of the piece creates an ethical/moral dilemma as well. The debate continues about how future interpretations of the works can be best presented to listeners without censoring. Should measures be taken to educate listeners about the pieces or should it be ignored?
“Sing” takes as its starting point the inherent anti-Semitism in Bach’s choral repertory and moves on to the problem of what do you do with a piece of music that is incontestably hateful yet also sublimely beautiful. What’s nice about this piece is that, although there’s a lot of talk, it comes from individuals who, while experts in their subject, are also passionate, common-sensical and moral. They also sound like they’ve wrestled with the issue of what to do with this problematic music. Instead of dismissing the music outright, or even creating apologies for it, they make a very balanced enquiry. They also offer a kind of primer on what exactly a passion story is. If film school students can study “Triumph of the Will” for its well-doneness, than there is certainly an argument for appreciating this music in all its complicatedness. It’s a study of the power of music-- when that power is used for evil rather than good. This could be an interesting addition to classical music programming.
Comments for Sing To The Glory of God
Produced by Richard Paul
Other pieces by Richard Paul
Rating Summary
2 comments
Emon Hassan
Posted on June 28, 2005 at 06:35 PM | Permalink
Review of Sing To The Glory of God
Compelling piece on choral works of some of the greatest such as Bach, Telemann, and Handel, but mainly focusing the 'Passion' works of Johann Sebastian's. Controversial lyrics are mainly the cause of debate, but the piece delves into elaborate discussions about the use of music to emphasize the libretto as well as the reflection of the times these pieces were composed. Bach's music by itself evokes emotional response from listeners, but understanding the content of the piece creates an ethical/moral dilemma as well. The debate continues about how future interpretations of the works can be best presented to listeners without censoring. Should measures be taken to educate listeners about the pieces or should it be ignored?
Jonathan Goldstein
Posted on February 27, 2005 at 06:29 AM | Permalink
Review of Sing To The Glory of God
“Sing” takes as its starting point the inherent anti-Semitism in Bach’s choral repertory and moves on to the problem of what do you do with a piece of music that is incontestably hateful yet also sublimely beautiful. What’s nice about this piece is that, although there’s a lot of talk, it comes from individuals who, while experts in their subject, are also passionate, common-sensical and moral. They also sound like they’ve wrestled with the issue of what to do with this problematic music. Instead of dismissing the music outright, or even creating apologies for it, they make a very balanced enquiry. They also offer a kind of primer on what exactly a passion story is. If film school students can study “Triumph of the Will” for its well-doneness, than there is certainly an argument for appreciating this music in all its complicatedness. It’s a study of the power of music-- when that power is used for evil rather than good. This could be an interesting addition to classical music programming.