Papal praise for Bruckner's music, born of faith
October 24, 2011
At a Vatican concert on October 22, the Bavarian State Opera orchestra played Anton Bruckner’s 9th Symphony, under the direction of Kent Nagao. The concert also included Bruckner’s Te Deum.
At the end of the concert, Pope Benedict said that hearing Bruckner’s music is “like finding oneself in a great cathedral.” But along with the imposing structure of the musical work, the Pontiff said, one can perceive “the simple, solid, genuine faith he conserved throughout his life.” The Pope cited the words of the conductor Bruno Walter, saying that “Mahler always sought after God, while Bruckner had found Him.”
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Further information:
- Benedict XVI Praises the Music of Anton Bruckner (VIS)
- Kent Nagano conducts Bruckner for Pope Benedict (Vatican Radio)
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