Peter--

Die Zauberfloete in your humble (or not so) opinion a second-rate opera? Now who's being arrogant? Please tell us about your universally accepted method for determining if something is second-rate. Geschmackssache.

In fact, Zauberfloete is germane to the topic--many consider it a defense of Masonry--which is often considered a religion--but more tolerant than most. But you knew that already--right?

It's also very funny--which is why I wanted to see if I got the humor. Ich kann ein Bisschen Deutsch, kann aber meistens den Humor kapieren. Du kannst auch Deutsch?

Re: Verdi--I did say I suspect I know more about Verdi than you. It's also completely possible that I don't. I'm always willing to learn more.

Obviously, that the Verdi Requiem is sublime is only my opinion. But if you have never sung it with an excellent group, I would say you are unfair to denigrate it. Perhaps you feel threatened by the hellfire and damnation. I assure you--it's not aimed at you. If you take it as great music and not as a Cotton Mather-style sermon, you'll be fine.

One of the recent highly respected books on Verdi is by Mary Jane Philips-Matz. About 900 pages--pretty thorough--and fascinating. Very good on his role in the Risorgimento--and on the writing of the Requiem Have you read it? I heartily recommend it.

One of my favorite parts is the incident which probably heavily influenced his anti-clericalism--at about age 6--you've probably heard this. Since he was distracted by music he heard from the organ loft, he did not hear the priest he was serving ask for the water and wine. When the priest pushed the boy, Verdi fell off the altar.

Verdi cursed the priest--"May you be struck by lightning!".

8 years later the priest was killed--- by lightning.

A great story. No wonder Verdi told it for the rest of his life.

I still feel that great vocal music-----and, sorry, the vast majority of great vocal music is religious-the overwhelming majority in Europe before 1800---can be transporting. Also Sacred Harp.   All the great gospel music of recent times. A lot of Carter Family music.

Even the Brahms Requiem is religious--but in the inclusive sense--explicitly not tied to Christianity. It is partly for that reason that it is my all-time favorite piece of any genre.

I am not saying any of these make you want to become Catholic--or black Baptist etc. It's just that you're moved by something greater than yourself.

Are you never moved by music? If so, it's a shame--you are missing one of the best experiences of life.


Hey, maybe this is a music thread now.