Pope describes Beethoven's 9th Symphony as message of solidarity
June 04, 2012
Pope Benedict XVI attended a concert in Milan's famous opera house, La Scala, on June 2, with Daniel Barenboim conducting a performance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony.
After the concert the Pope spoke briefly, thanking the musicians and observing that the selection of Beethoven's symphony was "a message in music which affirms the fundamental value of solidarity, fraternity, and peace."
Nevertheless, the Pope continued, in times of great trouble--as, for example, for the victims of the earthquakes that shook Italy recently--even the music is not enough, and the words of the concluding "Ode to Joy" sound empty. At such times, the Pope said, "We are searching for a God Who is close."
Pope Benedict observed that after the concert, many of those in attendance would be spending some time in adoration of the Eucharist. There, he said, they would find true intimacy with God, a God Who shares our sufferings and offers his help.
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Posted by: TheJournalist64 -
Jun. 04, 2012 7:57 PM ET USA
Let's not forget that Barenboim took Jacqueline duPre away from Christ at their marriage at the Western Wall, then abandoned her and began an illicit affair with another woman after JD was diagnosed with MS, having two children before JD died in 1987. All need our prayers.
