Searching for God in Classical Music

AD55, not to trivialize a discussion of "God in Music" here but grail references like awakening, confusion, focus, faith, redemption and excursion suggest to me the need for us all to find our own path to a spiritual meaning.  Does one need to believe in a supreme being to appreciate the glories of say Brahms' "German Requiem"?  Is membership in a certain faith necessary to enjoy a performance of Haydn's "The Creation"?  Can musical references to a particular dogma, (judgement manages to inspire very dynamic writing from certain composers for example,) also be enjoyed as tonal theatrics performed by, (hopefully,) an inspired group of singers and musicians?  Are we all headed "Toward the Unknown Region" of say a Vaughn Williams" or do we get to make our own - where and how to spend eternity - choices along the lines of Kore-eda Hirokazu's charming Japanese film, "After Life"?  I mean no disrespect to any one's beliefs and look forward to other thoughts here.  Best, Hal.

  I've always thought that the second movement of Beethoven's Op.111 sounded like a rapt conversation with God on the mysteries of the Universe.

   But then, I'm an Atheist, so what do I know?

Whether it be Fur Elise or Liebiestraume, Lady Gaga or Dame Myra Hess, if you feel moved by the piece or the interpretation, you, my friend, have found God. I've heard many heathen performances and some pieces which no amount of prayer would save.

"Great" as definition shifts ever so between changes in generation, else how could a work as magnificent as Bach's Mass get loss in the Classical era shuffle until Mendelssohn. But the experience of God is whenever you listen and experience a profound joy and beauty. The rest is just musicological and aesthetic wrangling akin to arguing which religion serves "the one true God."

It's either God or God-awful.

The ancient chinese thought that music was the bridge between earth and heaven. Finding God in music is something that is common among most cultures and many people associate good music with the nirvana (ultimate level of pleasure - commonly associated with paradise). It does not matter what type of music it is really - whether classical music or pop music.

My view is that it is possible to search for God in classical music, but that the real search is for a spiritual or philosophical truth in which God may be found or may not depending on the listener.  Great art and great artists wrestle with timeless subjects, with universal truths, and with what constitutes a fundamental moral law. Great music probes and elicits a response in its listeners.  This is perhaps not the same response for all (subjectivness over objectiveness - see other thread). 

Of course if you are a spiritual or philosophical person great classical music can assist you in defending and further understanding your beliefs.  An already deeply religious person will not have to look far to find God in music, especially religious music.  A person who feels close to nature will find many instances of music where they can feel closer to nature through music.

However, for the philosophical cynic, the triggers for spiritual contemplation whilst listening to music are vast.  I do not come close to God but I re-assess my beliefs and my approach to life through listening to such diverse pieces as Cosi Fan Tutte, Mahler Symphonies, much of Sibelius, much of Richard Strauss and Schubert.  These are favourites of mine but also bring with them a stimulus upon which to reflect. 

I also love lots of other Mozart, Beethoven, Wagner, Puccini and Donizetti - for me nothing but great tunes and great music.  Is this the difference between great art and great classical music?

As a humanist, I can quite happily suspend my disbelief in the 'message' within the music, and happily involve myself in the drama. I adore The Dream of Gerontius, though I find the text risible. It is a spiritual experience, but a 'man made' experience.