In the spring of this year, the fifth album of the popular children's ensemble Arka Noego (Noah's Ark), which performs both traditional and author's religious songs, appeared on the shelves of Polish music stores. Five years ago, this group made a splash in the Polish popular music market: the CDs of Noah's Ark sold better than the records of Pope John Paul II himself. Within a few months, the ensemble had become a pop phenomenon. The ensemble gave concerts, during which donations were collected for the Catholic mission in Africa, as well as for the construction of shelters for sick children.
The artistic director of Noah's Ark, Robert Friedrich, nicknamed Litz, is one of the brightest Polish rock musicians of recent decades. For a long time he was a member and the ideological inspirer of the cult Polish group "Acid Drinkers", known not only for original musical ideas, but also for buffoonery, profanity, booze and debauchery. Friedrich himself first got into a sobering-up station at the age of 15. Now he is 37, he has seven children, he does not drink, he goes to church, writes and performs Christian songs.
In 1994, Robert Friedrich underwent two complex heart surgeries. Being on the verge of life and death, he revised his attitude towards God and Christianity. Having survived the conversion, Frederick began to attend church regularly, but at the same time continued musical activity and in the same 1994, together with Acid Drinkers, he released the uncompromising, aggressive album Infernal Connection (Infernal Connection).
It is interesting that the leitmotif of most of the texts on the disc, according to the musicians themselves, was the opposition of the true evil - violence, drug addiction and drug trafficking - to the imaginary evil, namely the "Satanism" of hard rock. Robert Friedrich, in an interview with one of the newspapers, said that inverted crosses, skulls, bones, common among metalworkers, as well as the mention of the prince of darkness in the lyrics, are often nothing more than outrageous, devoid of any religious significance.
The booklet of the Infernal Connection CD features the cross of St. Benedict of Nursia, symbolizing the triumph of Christ over Satan and death. Thus, Friedrich tried to combine the seemingly incompatible: hard rock and Christianity.
The rock guitarist's conversion in 1994 was not an atheist's conversion, but rather a transition to active life in the church, a new understanding of Catholic values. Back in the early 1990s, the hectic rock and roll life did not prevent Friedrich from calling himself a Catholic and even creating Christian rock bands. The Creation of Death project, which combined the aggressive aesthetics of heavy metal with Christian lyrics (for example, the group performed the 69th psalm), suffered a commercial fiasco, the reason for which, according to Friedrich, was precisely the religious bias of the ensemble.
It should be said that in Poland almost all attempts to Christianize contemporary music, be it rock or art song, from the late 1960s to the mid-1990s, were non-commercial. This also applies to the 1968 rock opera The Lord is My Friend by composer Katarzyna Gärtner, performed by popular group"Red-Black", and to the author's songs of Zofia Jasna, and to the "katopolo" direction that emerged in Polish pop music in the early 1990s. In fact, one of the first paid off Christian rock projects in Poland was the ensemble "2 TM 2,3", among the founders of which is the same Robert Friedrich.
The name of the group “2 TM 2,3” is nothing more than a reference to the 3rd verse of the 2nd chapter of the Second Epistle of the Apostle Paul to Timothy (the ensemble is simply called “Timothy”). In particular, it says the following: "Endure suffering like a good warrior of Jesus Christ."
The musicians of the group are united by belonging to the so-called charismatic movement in contemporary Catholicism. Its basis is the idea of charisms - the special gifts of the Holy Spirit, including the gift of healing and the gift of "speaking in tongues." The musicians of "2 TM 2.3" in their numerous interviews constantly emphasize that they are primarily engaged in the preaching of Christianity.
The Catholic Church has long been skeptical of rock music. After all, the aesthetics of rock largely contradicts Christian ideas about spirituality, and the ethics of rock musicians (the famous slogan "sex, drugs, rock and roll") has nothing to do with Christian morality. Representatives of all Christian denominations have long labeled heavy metal as "Satanism" and "demonic". More recently, hard rock for Catholics was an integral part of the Western "culture of death", which John Paul II repeatedly spoke about.
Nevertheless, in the “Protestant West”, attempts to cross Christianity and rock music have long ceased to be perceived as something new, but for conservative Catholic Poland, such a phenomenon seems quite unusual and even paradoxical. In this regard, it may seem doubly interesting that the Catholic Church in Poland, with a general negative attitude towards rock culture, is gradually starting to regard rock music as a possible means of preaching among informal youth.
Specialized recording studios appear in the country, rock and reggae sound on the waves of a rather conservative Radio Maria. Catholics hold their own rock festivals, one of which even received the biblical name "Song of Songs". The performers of the Timothy group believe that a compromise with the Church does not limit the creative freedom of musicians. On the contrary, it is precisely such an alliance that can become an expression of real freedom and real protest in the conditions of Western neo-pagan civilization.
In one of recent interviews Robert Friedrich noted that in trying to convey Bible truths to young people, he is forced to use a language that they understand, and this language is rock music. Hard rock performed by Catholic musicians is a kind of sword of Goliath in the hands of King David, a powerful destructive weapon, used, however, for good purposes. Polish "rock Catholics" believe that the dance of King David in front of the ark, described in the Bible, is a kind of sacred parallel to that rock frenzy at a concert, when a musician breaks the strings on a guitar.
As a result, the Catholic Church in Poland blessed the musicians who chose hard rock as a form of Christian preaching. Whether the "new Davids" will justify the hopes placed on them - time will tell.
Stanislav Alexandrovich Minin - religious scholar, publicist
Fans live organ music experience a special thrill when they find themselves in Prague, because where, if not in the capital of the Czech Republic, you can fully enjoy the sounds of this powerful, awe-inspiring instrument. Prague is famous for its beautiful cathedrals and churches, and many have their own organ. Attending a concert will be a real event.
Spiritual organ music
You can get into one of the cathedrals during the service and hear organ music and the singing of the church choir absolutely free of charge. However, it will be exclusively spiritual music - masses, services, prayers, sequences, requiems, hymns. It is beautiful and unique in its own way, gives solemnity to religious rites, gives a person a special mood of peace, or, conversely, makes you think about something deeply personal.
Daily services are held in the majestic Gothic cathedral, which is located on the territory. On weekdays, it is best to attend the seven-hour morning service, and on weekends, those who want to listen to the church choir, accompanied by an organ, are invited to evening services.
You can also get great pleasure by visiting services at. It is located in the Old City, its pointed towers - a bold combination of Gothic and Baroque - are visible from afar.
No less memorable will be an excursion to the most ancient church of the Old City - the church of St. Martin. The beginning of its construction dates back to the time of Charles IV, so Romanesque solidity dominates in its appearance. Later, elements of Gothic, Baroque and even pseudo-Renaissance appeared. The schedule of services can be viewed at the entrance to these temples.
The beauty of the sound of the organ and the richness of the decoration of Prague's cathedrals is a truly amazing combination that everyone should appreciate.
Prague organs and classical music
For those to whom spiritual music is not so close, it seems too strict and regulated, we advise you to visit one of the organ concerts of classical and chamber music. They are held in the evening in the temples of Prague, and each has its own specifics.
It is proud of the organ, which is covered with gold leaf and is considered one of the oldest in the city. The Cathedral of St. Francis, according to professionals, has best acoustics. Concerts are also held in other churches - the Basilica of St. George, the Cathedral of St. Elijah, the Church of St. Bartholomew.
Tickets for such concerts are sold directly at the entrance to the cathedral, purchased through Internet sites or through advertising agents. Here are some of the most popular places for organ lovers to visit.
Church of Saint Salvator in Clementium
- the most important historical and architectural complex of Prague, which is a major center of culture, education and religious life cities. There are two organ halls on the territory of the Clementium. The first is located inside the Church of St. Salvator, built in the middle of the 17th century during the early Czech Baroque period.
Quite unusual is that this temple has two organs. One, small, is located in the lower tier, not far from the altar, and next to it is a chamber ensemble. The second organ, a large one, is located on the upper level, above the entrance to the temple. The organs of the temple are very popular among the world's leading virtuosos, who regularly hold concerts here.
Mirror Chapel in Clementium
The second organ hall of the Clementium is the so-called mirror chapel also decorated in the Baroque style. It got its name due to the abundance of mirrors skillfully built into the lush stucco walls and ceilings. Wall mirrors located opposite each other create an amazing illusion of infinity of space.
Just like the Church of St. Salvator, the Chapel of Mirrors has two organs. The old choir organ is widely known for being played by the young Mozart. And the second large organ was installed in the altar part in the 20s of the XX century. The acoustics of the choir allow us to simultaneously play both instruments, and now we listen with pleasure to the polyphonies of Bach and Handel, the light and swift symphonies of Mozart, the works of the famous Czechs Dvorak and Smetana performed by no less famous organists.
Cathedral of St. Nicholas (Mala Strana)
Dedicated to Nicholas the Wonderworker, this is another favorite place for organ music lovers. The interior of the temple looks impressive, decorated with a grandiose under-dome fresco "The Feast of the Holy Trinity" at a height of seventy meters, a gilded statue of St. Nicholas above the main altar and an abundance of stucco.
The hand of the genius Mozart also touched the keys of the organ of this church, and perhaps that is why the Cathedral of St. Nicholas is so attractive to those who want to hear the eternal classics - works by Albinioni and Debussy, Bach and Vivaldi, Haydn and Mysliwiczek.
There are three active Catholic churches in Moscow. One of them is located not far from the Garden Ring - on the quiet Malaya Gruzinskaya Street. This is the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
And although the building at first seemed to me a typical remake, nevertheless it was built a century ago. To late XIX century, the number of people of the Catholic faith (mostly Poles) in Moscow exceeded thirty thousand people. The believers managed to raise about 300,000 rubles in gold for the new temple - a significant amount for those times, but by no means astronomical.
Malaya Gruzinskaya Street was chosen for construction not by chance: the authorities ordered that the Catholic church be built away from the city center and far from significant Orthodox churches.
The architect was Foma Iosifovich Bogdanovich-Dvorzhetsky, a teacher at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. I read that the Westminster Gothic Cathedral in London served as the prototype for the main facade. In my opinion, the similarity is not too obvious.
An unusual multifaceted dome crowned with a high spire is a nod to the Milan Cathedral.
Construction was carried out for a long time - from 1899 to 1911. However, it was not possible to fully complete the work planned according to the plan even by the beginning of the revolution. No turrets were built on the main facade, the interior decoration was very ascetic, even the floor remained simple concrete.
The revolution did not spare the temple. The modest church property was partly looted, partly destroyed, and the cathedral itself was mutilated beyond recognition, both inside and out. The church was turned into a hostel, for which additional walls and even ceilings were built, turning three spacious naves into a four-story human birdhouse.
The church also suffered from the bombing of the Great Patriotic War. However, he suffered more from his new owners: at the end of the 40s, the main spire was dismantled, and in 1956 there was a strong fire here, which caused the collapse of the dome. After that, the hostel was resettled, and the mutilated building was given over to the Mosspetspromproject Research Institute.
The first divine service after a sixty-year break was held here in May 1991, but Mass was not served inside, but on the steps of the wounded church.
And then the struggle for the return of the temple began. It was conducted according to all the rules of the domestic genre: with squatting, riot police, negotiations with officials. In the end, the parishioners (officially, the parish of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary was restored back in April 1991) defeated Mosspetspromproekt. The restoration of the temple began. The general design and author's support of the restoration work was undertaken by a Polish construction company. On December 12, 1999, the church was consecrated by a Roman legate.
Inner space divided into three longitudinal naves. The lateral ones are equal in size, and the central one is wider and higher. The transept has the same width and height as the middle nave. The lancet vaults of the temple are devoid of ribs. The span of the vaults is transmitted to five pairs of internal massive pylons and external stepped buttresses, typical for Gothic churches. The interior is illuminated by large window openings with figured wooden and reinforced concrete bindings.
The church has excellent acoustics. Wonderful organ concerts are often held here.
The atmosphere of the church only enhances the magic of music. The sound of the organ here fascinates much more than even in concert hall them. P.I. Tchaikovsky.
Spirituality
06.06.2012
Irina Anninskaya
On Saturday, May 26, the debut organ concert of pupils of the Berdyansk Children's music school.
Young musicians who are only 10-12 years old: Diana Smirnova, Lilya Logvinenko (violin), Sergey Pivovarov and Kirill Eliseev - gathered an almost full audience. The concert was great musical holiday both for the spectators who came to the church, and for the little artists themselves. They performed classical works varying complexity and mood. The highlight of the concert was also the vocals of the music school teacher Inna Prokofieva. The initiator of this event, the teacher of the children's music school, Viktoria Zagudayeva, rejoiced at the success no less than her pupils, because playing such a wise and grandiose instrument, as she said, like an organ, and teaching children how to do it, was an old dream of the teacher.
This idea came to me when the temple was just being built, and I found out that there would be an organ here, - said Victoria Alexandrovna. - I `m teaching musical literature in a music school, this subject involves familiarity with various musical instruments, including the organ. Therefore, I was sure that one day I would bring my students to the church. Having met the rector of the church, Zdzisław Zajonc, Victoria shared her dreams with him, and the priest was happy to meet her halfway, not only inviting the children to the church, but even organizing a special organ concert for the students of the music school, performed by the world-famous organ master Jerzy Kukli. Then there were two more concerts, after which the children wanted to get to know the amazing instrument better, they climbed the choirs and got the opportunity for the first time in their lives to touch the keys of the organ. In just about a month, Victoria Zagudaeva, together with her pupils, is mastering this amazing instrument, and the past first concert showed that the time was not wasted in vain. The success inspired the children, and many of those who came to the concert as a spectator, Viktoria Zagudayeva is sure, will also express a desire to learn to play the organ. The teacher plans to organize organ concerts for children and youth, schoolchildren, students in order to introduce Berdyansk people to wonderful world organ music and introducing them to the musical classics.
In addition, - Victoria Alexandrovna admitted, - I want to organize a choir at the church. Perhaps the chorus is a big word, for starters vocal ensemble. Father Zdzislaw Zajonc, who warmly thanked the young artists and their teachers, admitted that he dreams that one day the newly created choir will sing along with the children's choir from his native Polish city of Poniatow.