The Omniscient Mussel

Quiz #26: Let’s Start At The Very Beginning

Something a little more contemplative for this week’s adventure. There is something about hearing sacred music in a church and in the proper liturgical context that is unlike any other musical experience.

There have been some concert hall events that have certainly reached the spirit but nothing quite like this. For Miss Mussel, the reasons for this are twofold. The first is that the liturgy hasn’t changed much for 1800 years, so there is a strong sense of connection to those that have come before and as well as a reminder that our allotted 80 years are merely a heartbeat in the grand scheme of human endeavour.

The second attraction is that this is working music that does not aim to entertain but rather to facilitate transcendence. That the music accomplishes this within an aesthetic that is now considered to be austere, makes it all the more beautiful.

There is a new leader in the quiz standings but still plenty of time to get some points up over the next 6 weeks. A strong finish just might get you the top prize, which is, in case you have forgotten, a $100 gift voucher for Arkiv music. Second and third prizes are nothing to sniff at either.

The full rules are here. Clues on Tues and Weds. Guesses that include some combination of composer, title of piece and date of composition are sent in before midnight EST Weds qualify. Points are given for each component, so partial guesses still count.