http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75Z0Botms28
Is there any difference in how they both experience this aria?
2007-11-25 12:07:33 · 17 answers · asked by kamelåså 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Beautiful. And my favorite composer is J.S. Bach, who wrote nothing but religious music. Go figger.
A writer that I used to be fond of (John Holt, American) wrote something like: "I have never heard the voice of god. But I think I may have heard the voice of the devil. On a few occasions, when listening to some beautiful and moving piece of music, his is the little voice that whispered in my ear, 'But all it does is go up and down.' "
2007-11-25 12:22:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some of the most beautiful music ever written has a religious basis. I even enjoy listening to Gregorian chants. I'm not much into opera, but I play a nice version of Ava Maria on guitar.
I suspect believers listen to it in a different way than I do. I appreciate melody and harmony and the genius behind the writing, and the talent of the musicians.
Mind you, I'm more into rock , blues and jazz. Lots of blues has a religious theme, and comes from spiritual R&B/Gospel
Good music is good music.
2007-11-25 12:16:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
By all means, they both can. It's a lovely interpretation of the Ave Maria. Perhaps Christians may interpret it adding the religious component that touches them particularly, which Atheists probably lack. Still, it is a wonderful version for everybody to enjoy.
2007-11-25 12:40:48 · answer #3 · answered by Der weiße Hexenmeister 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Music appreciation is a universal human phenomenon.
I'm an atheist and a Christian friend loaned a cd to me. the band is called Caedmon's Call, a christian group and the music was wonderful. The message of the lyrics was something I could have done without, but the acoustic guitar was heaven! lol
2007-11-25 12:19:26 · answer #4 · answered by Starstuff58 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They can enjoy it in the same sense a scanner can "enjoy" the Mona Lisa. They can see the craftsmanship in it, and admire the effort put in, but the emotional intent of the artist is lost on them. Their mind doesn't picture the event, and they don't feel the connection to it a Catholic would. They take it in in the same way they would a rock concert or a polka band, as a collection of sounds in tandem with each other.
2007-11-25 12:21:26 · answer #5 · answered by John T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well...I actually hate this one cause it reminds me my grandma`s funeral...But I enjoy the "Pie Jesu".
The esthetic value this kind of music have, is not relevant to the fact that one believes or not the lyrics.
Is like hearing, for example, Therion. Some people like their music, but that doesnt mean they believe in Thor...
I love celtic music too and that doesnt mean I believe in elfs or fayries...
I actually, being an atheist and all, work (and really love I get to listen the concerts for free! jeje) with a Christian opera music group. I do the photo for them....
So...
2007-11-25 14:13:00 · answer #6 · answered by (CR) Alita 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't get it. Can you explain to me why a Christian and an atheist would enjoy this song on different levels? It's not even in English, so there is no way I can see one's belief can possibly influence enjoyment of this song if they don't even understand the lyrics.
2007-11-25 12:14:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You do know that Charles Gounod was a human, right? I can appreciate any piece of beautiful music without attaching some kind of GOD to it. I appreciate great art and architecture, too.
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AD
2007-11-25 12:11:36 · answer #8 · answered by AuroraDawn 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
It's definitely a very beautiful song.
I don't really experience it any differently as an atheist than I did as a believer.
2007-11-25 12:23:40 · answer #9 · answered by Jess H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honey, throughout 31 years of atheism, Ave Maria has been one of my favorites, second only to Nessun Dorma.
2007-11-25 12:11:43 · answer #10 · answered by iamnoone 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋