Comment made by Msgr. Ratzinger

[Marysann]

I have a question that I hope you musicians out there can help me with. I remember reading somewhere that when Msgr. Georg Ratzinger, the Holy Father’s brother and church musician, was criticized for programing “Protestant” music, he made the comment, “which note is Protestant?” Does anyone know where that comment came from or did I just imagine it? Thanks ahead for your help.

 

[ConstantineTG]

Interesting. I have to agree that its not he musical arrangement which makes music Protestant. But rather the theology in the lyrics.

 

[jimrob]

Whether the words were actually said is unclear.

Georg Ratzinger was for many years involved with the Regensburger Domspatzen (the choir of St Peter’s Cathedral, Regensburg). They have a broad repertoire of baroque and classical music including such “Protestant” composers as Bach, Telemann and Handel. If anyone can find me anything opposed to Catholic teaching in their work, I’ll stop listening to them. On the other hand, the great “Catholic” composer W. A. Mozart, was a womaniser, adulterer, drunkard and Freemason - but we still use his music.

 

[Joannm]

Whether the words were actually said is unclear.

Georg Ratzinger was for many years involved with the Regensburger Domspatzen (the choir of St Peter’s Cathedral, Regensburg). They have a broad repertoire of baroque and classical music including such “Protestant” composers as Bach, Telemann and Handel. If anyone can find me anything opposed to Catholic teaching in their work, I’ll stop listening to them. On the other hand, the great “Catholic” composer W. A. Mozart, was a womaniser, adulterer, drunkard and Freemason - but we still use his music.

 

[JHow]

… baroque and classical music including such “Protestant” composers as Bach, Telemann and Handel. If anyone can find me anything opposed to Catholic teaching in their work, I’ll stop listening to them…

Yes. Find the Protestant notes here:

youtube.com/watch?v=mR9ZVfTRIUo

In all the organ, chant and guitar debates, we forget that the Lord will return at the sound of a trumpet.

 

[Marysann]

JHow, the Telemann is beautiful. I agree completely with Msgr. Ratzinger, and am trying to find his comment to use in arguments with people who complain about using say the music of Bach because he was Protestant. The people I am talking about have no problem with the music of Marty Haugen, who was brought up Lutheran and is now, according to his own website, a member of the United Church of Christ. To me, music should be above denominations. If the music is appropriate for the occasion for which we want to use it, according to the documents of the Church on sacred music, and any lyrics are in agreement with the teaching of the Church, and also appropriate for the occasion, I will use it. All for the greater glory of God.

 

[JHow]

Looks like maybe from this Swiss Catholic press agency KIPA interview?:

No thoughtful Catholic will have difficulty distinguishing Mozart’s music from his Freemasonry, any more, for example, than separating Bach’s work from his Lutheranism. If we were to dismiss every human work that had been created by a sinner, there might not be much left standing. I was once taken to task for leading a congregation in a “Protestant tune”, to which I replied, “which note was Protestant, the E-flat or the B-flat?”

catholiceducation.org/articles/arts/al0275.htm

 

[m134e5]

The people I am talking about have no problem with the music of Marty Haugen, who was brought up Lutheran and is now, according to his own website, a member of the United Church of Christ.

I’m not sure about everywhere, but the UCC in my town is known for it’s extremely “tolerant” view of homosexuality, and other sinful activities. I’ve even seen it on a list of “gay friendly” churches. If I never hear Marty Haugen’s music at Mass again, it will be too soon.

 

[Marysann]

JHow, thank you for the link. It contained what I was looking for. I knew that someone on the forum would have the answer for me.

 

[Cavaille-Coll]

JHow, the Telemann is beautiful. I agree completely with Msgr. Ratzinger, and am trying to find his comment to use in arguments with people who complain about using say the music of Bach because he was Protestant. The people I am talking about have no problem with the music of Marty Haugen, who was brought up Lutheran and is now, according to his own website, a member of the United Church of Christ. To me, music should be above denominations. If the music is appropriate for the occasion for which we want to use it, according to the documents of the Church on sacred music, and any lyrics are in agreement with the teaching of the Church, and also appropriate for the occasion, I will use it. All for the greater glory of God.

I would agree, provided that the musical style is also conducive to sacred worship and not an imitation of a secular style, which is my main problem with the music of Mr. Haugen and the rest of the OCP crowd. I have found communion hymns in some Protestant and Anabaptist hymnals that are more Catholic than many of those currently in use - and this from denominations that don’t believe in the Real Presence!

 

[Marysann]

Cavaille-Coll, I agree with you completely. It is amazing isn’t it.