Choral music, voices joined together in harmony & rhythm, is one of the most profoundly beautiful art forms. It is lovely to listen to (medicinal & healing, in many ways). It is even more wonderful to participate in. When it works, it feels as if the music is carrying one.
Here is a little bit from an interview with the chairperson of the UCLA Music dept., Roger Bourland, who also composes choral music. The whole interview is well worth reading.
VW: What is your view of the place of choirs and choral music in our society?
RB: In my opinion, choral music that speaks directly to as well as entertains and uplifts its listeners is the most successful. Music that is overly difficult and self-indulgent misses its mask. Choral music is unique in its ability to speak to the human spirit, and composers have an almost sacred responsibility to write for the human voice with great care and sensitivity. Great choral singing is the closest thing to the music of heaven that this planet has to offer.
[Pick of the week -- Stile Antico -- a great 'early music' vocal group].
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