Music can turn minds and hearts toward heaven, Pope says after concert

CWN - April 30, 2010

The study of music "can open minds and hearts to the spiritual dimension and lead people to raise their eyes to heaven, to open themselves to absolute Goodness and Beauty which have their ultimate source in God," Pope Benedict XVI said after a concert at the Vatican on April 29.

The Pope made his remarks following a performance by the Italian Youth Orchestra of the Fiesole School of Music. He praised the venerable school for its decades of service to young people, helping to promote the appreciation for beauty and artistic performance.

The concert-- featuring works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Sammartini-- was sponsored by Italian President Giorgio Napolitano to mark the 5th anniversary of Pope Benedict's election.

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  • Posted by: AveMaria580 - Apr. 30, 2010 2:24 PM ET USA

    As someone who has studied music, I am delighted by this. I only wish it would get to the parishes in my area. Decent music would be appreciated. However, I have just been to a concert of all Mozart. It is far too complicated since Mozart was a master of polyphony the words do get lost in the music. Yet, we need music that turns our hearts to heaven and Haugen and Haas doesn't do it.

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