Poglądy Stefana kardynała Wyszyńskiego na rolę muzyki w Kościele
Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński’s views on the role of music in the Church

Summary/Abstract: Stefan Card. Wyszyński, Primate of Poland, expressed his views on music during his speeches and sermons, especially to organists and church choirs. It follows from them that the basic source of music in the Church is the contemplative celebration of the Mystery of Faith. Music is to be performed first of all for the glory of God and secondly for the benefit of people. Cardinal Wyszyński considered as music worthy of the Lord’s temple only that musicwhich is directed to the adoration of the Creator’s majesty and arises from the contemplation of the Incarnate Word of God. Chorale, church singing as well as organ music have a therapeutic meaning, as they calm shattered emotions and help to focus scattered thoughts. Music with true artistic qualities soothes pain and suffering, gives solace, awakens hope and joy.The creators and performers of music should shape their Marian spirituality so that they can fulfil their honoured vocation well. The service in the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice demands from church musicians an exemplary life, a good knowledge of the liturgy and a high artistic level. According to Cardinal Wyszyński, the need to cultivate folk singing, which is an expression of piety and patriotism, is still valid. It is also connected with the development of new musical forms growing out of Christian culture.

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