The Leitmotif of God’s Mercy in the Musical Culture from The Middle Ages to Present Times Cover Image

Lejtmotyw Miłosierdzia Bożego w kulturze muzycznej od średniowiecza do współczesności
The Leitmotif of God’s Mercy in the Musical Culture from The Middle Ages to Present Times

Author(s): Franciszek Koenig
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Fine Arts / Performing Arts, Music, Theology and Religion, Pastoral Theology
Published by: Towarzystwo Naukowe KUL & Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawła II
Keywords: Divine Mercy; cult; liturgy; mysticism; spirituality; musical style; leitmotif; musical factors

Summary/Abstract: The leitmotif of God’s Mercy has been present in the musical culture of all eras, from the Middle Ages, when it was present in Gregorian chants, to present times. The basis for the songs created in the course of centuries were usually biblical texts praising the mystery of God’s Mercy and Grace. The way of expressing the leitmotif of God’s Mercy depended on how the text was combined with the factors of a musical style of a given era.In our times, we can witness the creation of many compositions including the leitmotif of God’s Mercy. This is connected with the cult of Divine Mercy being intensively developed in recent years, especially during the pontificate of St. John Paul II. What triggered the development of the cult was first the revelation given to St. Sister Faustina in the 1930s, written down in her diary, and later the cult of St. John Paul II and the blessed Rev. Michał Sopoćko. Therefore, the basis for the content of contemporary compositions connected with the cult of Divine Mercy are first and foremost the words from the diary of Sister Faustina.Contemporary compositions including the leitmotif of God’s Mercy were and are created among others by I. Pfeiffer, S. Ziemiański and R. Twardowski.

  • Issue Year: 64/2017
  • Issue No: 13
  • Page Range: 45-62
  • Page Count: 18
  • Language: Polish