Not necessarily 'like us'

I had to get up extra early to be at St Michael's before quarter to eight to preside at the Eucharist, joined to Matins led by one of the studentss. As an experiment, he'd opted to play recorded music quietly in chapel for fifteen minutes beforehand, and during the intercessions that he led. Listening to a polyphonic Latin Mass setting beforehand was fine, but during the intercessions, it was like listening to two people talking at the same time. A few of us discussed this with him over breakfast and I explained my problem with his choice of music, and the need to use something purely instrumental, or even vocal without words, so as not to distract from the prayers he spoke. 

It was only then I realised that those familiar and powerful Latin liturgical texts were not being heard by others in the same way as I heard them. For some the music was just a collection of pleasant ethereal sounds, elevating to hear, but bearing no meaning. Without a frame of reference for understanding, it's hardly surprising. It's just that it hadn't occurred to me that some seminarians would lack this kind of religious cultural experience. It would be the same if Byzantine, African and Asian sacred music had been playing - unless you'd been introduced to it, knew what it represented, or you'd listened to it in context, it would remain just a background sound. It would then only distract from quiet prayer if it was the kind of music which called attention to itself by inciting you to tap your feet or get up and dance.

I realised how fortunate my generation was, being enthused by the newness of ecumenical, inter-faith and cross cultural exploration. We were in at the birth of 'world music' as a new genre. Today's proliferation of consumer channels for all sorts of music from around the world means lots of choice appealing to all tastes, but choice itself can become too demanding, so you choose a few things and stick with them. Travel broadens the mind's horizon, opens the ears to new musical and cultural experiences, but not everyone making the journey appreciates this, any more than they relish different food away from home. However much variety any of us is exposed to, we all need discernment to help us to know what's best for ourselves and others in every situation. Understanding that other people are not necessarily 'like us' requires lots of learning and experience, as well as personal gifts and aptitude.