Christian Music | Hymn of the Cherubim: Tchaikovsky

"If I were to describe sunlight to a blind person this is what I'd make them listen to," was the description of the young Kushala Daora on YouTube. Another said in response to her comment, "This is what I imagine a sunrise sounds like." Music stirs the soul. It enlivens man because in music we can encounter the good, the true, and the beautiful. Man is ordered to such things because, as the Catholic Church teaches, in such things we encounter God's wonder. Today, we encounter a beautiful rendition of "Hymn of the Cherubim" by Tchaikovsky performed by the USSR Ministry of Culture Chamber Choir. It's a beautiful piece of music for sure from the man who also composed "The Nutcracker," "Swan Lake," and the "1812 Overture". What's more, when you listen to it, you can get lost in it and forget that it's only human voices you hear. The human experience is made richer when man encounters his Creator. There is a longing inside every human heart that the world cannot satisfy. It's when we ask, "Why is there something rather than nothing?" Or when we contemplate things like our own existence in the Universe that we begin on the road - on our journey - to the One who created the heavens and the earth; and who created you: a unique composition of body and soul. As C. S. Lewis famously said, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” To listen to this beautiful work of human art, "Hymn of the Cherubim," please click on the image. Hope you enjoy. Peace be with you!

Christian Music | Ave Verum Corpus: Mozart

Ave Verum Corpus is among the most frequently performed short works in the choral canon. Although the text focuses on crucifixion and death, Ave Verum Corpus was not intended for Lent and the passion season. Mozart finished the composition in June 1791, less than six months before his death, as a favor for a friend in time for the Feast of Corpus Christi. Music stirs the soul. It enlivens man because in music we can encounter the good, the true, and the beautiful. Man is ordered to such things because, as the Catholic Church teaches, in such things we encounter God. Today, we encounter a beautiful rendition of "Ave Verum Corpus" performed by The King's College Choir in Cambridge, England. A brief 3-minute composition, it's a beautiful piece of music for sure from the man whose catalogue of compositions ranks among the greatest masters of classical music. To experience this beautiful work of art click on the image. I hope you enjoy. Peace be with you!

Christian Music | Ave Maria

Man is ordered to the good, the true, and the beautiful because, as the Catholic Church teaches, in such things we encounter God. Today, we encounter a beautiful rendition of "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert. The Catholic prayer, of the same name, is based on Luke's Gospel account of Mary's Annunciation with the Angel Gabriel, and the Visitation with her cousin Elizabeth.