MUSIC TO LISTEN TO WHEN SITTING ON A PARK BENCH IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER LONGING FOR CHRIST

I love music that elevates and transforms me from self to God. All music does not do that for me. I share what I have found that inspires my contemplative soul.

Agnus Dei by Samuel Barber.

One such piece is Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings, adapted with the words from the Latin Mass, Agnus Dei. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRL447oDId4

Widor’s Tantum Ergo

I became familiar with Charles Marie Widor in 1958, as a student at St. Meinrad High School Seminary. The choir sang Widor’s Tantum Ergo. It had such resonance, such depth of tonality, that I was hooked. I have provided you with this piece to stimulate your meditation (contemplation does not require music).

Panis Angelicus

Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring

Bach’s organ music plus some choral arrangements are pure poetry in sound. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRkSYNlmugs

Handel’s Messiah

A long, but so meaningful reflection on Christ.

Gregorian Chant

The music of the Church Universal through the ages. Notice how all of this music centers around Christ and his redemptive gift to all humans. Truly holy music stirs the Holy Spirit in us to cry, Abba, that is, Father. In these next long pieces, find a quiet spot for solitude and silence and listen with the ear of your heart. The repetitive motion and simplicity of this plainsong elevate the mind to the heart to approach the heart of Christ in humility and obedience to God’s will.

Of course, there are many, many other hymns and poems out there. These are ones I want to pack in my bag to take with me to Heaven.

Praise be the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever. The God who is, who was, and who is to come at the end of the ages. Amen and Amen. –Cistercian doxology