Forbidden Music
I’m listening to one of the most beautiful pieces of music. It was composed back in the 1630’s for use in the Sistine Chapel.
Allegri’s ‘Miserere’ for a capella choir – or choir without other instruments – has an intriguing story behind it.
At some point for some unknown reason it became forbidden to transcribe the music. No one was allowed to write down the notes after hearing it. Plus, the music was only allowed to be performed during matins on Wednesday and Friday of Holy Week. Why this happened is still a mystery.
Yet it explains how the power of music was utilized hundreds of years ago.
Then a genius arrived at the Sistine Chapel.
14-year-old Mozart was visiting Rome, when he first heard the piece during the Wednesday service. Later that day, he wrote it down entirely from memory. Then he returned with it to the Sistine Chapel that Friday to make some minor corrections. Later, during his travels, he ran into the British historian Dr. Charles Burney, who obtained the score from him and took it to London, where it was published in 1771.
Once it was published, the ban was lifted, and Allegri's ‘Miserere’ has since been one of the most popular choral works now performed.
Bans on music have existed for centuries. Like the pope banning modern music, i.e. electric guitars and drumsets a few months ago.
Did you know that the President of Turkmenistan, a former Soviet Republic, has banned all recorded music at public events, on teevee and in weddings. He’s already banned opera and ballet. And, believe it or not, he’s banned car radios. To no one’s surprise, Mr. Niyazov has declared himself president for life.
In the year 2000, police in New Iberia, Louisiana, closed down a roller skating rink and seized more than 60 CDs, after a fight broke out in the rink's parking lot. Police accused the rink's management of instigating the incident by playing music over the rink's PA system.
Among the music they confiscated were CDs by Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and popular tunes ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’ and ‘Jingle Bells.’ Figure that one out.
There are no foreseeable plans to ban high frequency, classical music anytime soon. Unless you live in Turkmenistan or Iran. Your unlimited dose of beauty is available here now.
Warm Regards,
Tania Gabrielle French
P.S. Immerse yourself in sounds that take you beyond the mundane – into a space where peace permeates your cells. Where you come out feeling total rejuvenation.
Allegri’s ‘Miserere’ for a capella choir – or choir without other instruments – has an intriguing story behind it.
At some point for some unknown reason it became forbidden to transcribe the music. No one was allowed to write down the notes after hearing it. Plus, the music was only allowed to be performed during matins on Wednesday and Friday of Holy Week. Why this happened is still a mystery.
Yet it explains how the power of music was utilized hundreds of years ago.
Then a genius arrived at the Sistine Chapel.
14-year-old Mozart was visiting Rome, when he first heard the piece during the Wednesday service. Later that day, he wrote it down entirely from memory. Then he returned with it to the Sistine Chapel that Friday to make some minor corrections. Later, during his travels, he ran into the British historian Dr. Charles Burney, who obtained the score from him and took it to London, where it was published in 1771.
Once it was published, the ban was lifted, and Allegri's ‘Miserere’ has since been one of the most popular choral works now performed.
Bans on music have existed for centuries. Like the pope banning modern music, i.e. electric guitars and drumsets a few months ago.
Did you know that the President of Turkmenistan, a former Soviet Republic, has banned all recorded music at public events, on teevee and in weddings. He’s already banned opera and ballet. And, believe it or not, he’s banned car radios. To no one’s surprise, Mr. Niyazov has declared himself president for life.
In the year 2000, police in New Iberia, Louisiana, closed down a roller skating rink and seized more than 60 CDs, after a fight broke out in the rink's parking lot. Police accused the rink's management of instigating the incident by playing music over the rink's PA system.
Among the music they confiscated were CDs by Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and popular tunes ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’ and ‘Jingle Bells.’ Figure that one out.
There are no foreseeable plans to ban high frequency, classical music anytime soon. Unless you live in Turkmenistan or Iran. Your unlimited dose of beauty is available here now.
Warm Regards,
Tania Gabrielle French
P.S. Immerse yourself in sounds that take you beyond the mundane – into a space where peace permeates your cells. Where you come out feeling total rejuvenation.
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