In a world filled with disharmony, the topic of sacred music may seem less than relevant. But the need to restore authentic worship is more crucial than ever.
We've all experienced it. As we prepare to enter into the silence of the sacred liturgy, banal music peals over the sound system, and we are barraged with irritating strains just as we are trying to quietly, peacefully worship the Lord.
When the Harps Went Still, by Aurelio Porfiri, Athanasius Schneider, and Guido Milanese, is a compelling exploration of the crisis facing Catholic sacred music today. This deeply insightful book uncovers the hidden tragedy of how sacred music, once the cornerstone of Catholic worship, has been diminished in modern liturgical practice.
From the soaring melodies of Gregorian chant to the intricate harmonies of Renaissance polyphony, the authors trace the rich heritage of sacred music that has shaped the spiritual landscape of the Catholic Church. They argue passionately for the revival of these timeless traditions, highlighting how sacred music not only enhances the liturgy but also serves as a powerful medium for worship and a profound expression of faith.
In these enlightening pages, you will learn about:
- The profound history and evolution of Catholic sacred music
- The power of sacred music to radiate the beauty that draws people to God
- The crucial role of music in elevating the liturgical experience and fostering spiritual growth
- The factors contributing to the decline of sacred music in contemporary worship
- The theological underpinnings that make sacred music an indispensable part of worship
- Inspiring stories of communities and individuals who have successfully revitalized their musical traditions
- Actionable steps to restore and integrate sacred music into the liturgy today
- Why education in sacred Catholic music is crucial for evangelization
Through thoughtful analysis and heartfelt advocacy, When the Harps Went Still serves as both a wake-up call and a guide to rejuvenating the spiritual and aesthetic richness of Catholic liturgy.
This book is more than an academic treatise; it is a passionate plea to remember and reintegrate the beauty of sacred music into our worship, thereby reconnecting with the divine through song.
Join the movement to revive the sacred sounds of our faith. Let When the Harps Went Still inspire you to bring the transformative power of sacred music back to the heart of the Church.
Bishop Schneider and coauthor Aurelio Porfiri encourage the revival of public prayers, such as the Liturgy of the Hours and Eucharistic adoration. He explains how genuflecting, kneeling, and prostrating oneself are all outward signs of reverence that demonstrate this inward action. Our duty, he declares, is to render "perpetual thanksgiving" to God at Mass. Indeed, as he solemnly asserts, "The Mass is the greatest and most important work of the Church."
Aurelio Porfiri is an Italian composer, conductor, educator, and writer. He is a renowned expert in sacred music and a scholar on China and Catholic traditionalism. He is the co-author, with Bishop Athanasius Schneider, of the bestselling The Catholic Mass, already translated in multiple languages. He is a contributor to major Catholic and conservative blogs in Italy, France, and the United States. The popular American magazine Inside the Vatican included him in the top-ten most influential people in 2021.
