Through Music to Truth: Music and Theology in Dialogue with Italian Culture

Can music be a gateway to truth? And how can this happen? This book explores the fascinating narrative of the relationship between music and faith, in dialogue with major figures of the Italian culture. Dante’s itinerary to God in the Divina Commedia can be described as a musical path; the popularity of Verdi’s Va’, pensiero dovetails with Italy’s recent history and expresses the feelings and prayers of the Istrian exiles; the influence of Petrarch on European poetry and music is felt in J. S. Bach’s sacred output, which also comprises his own transcription of a Marian devotional work by Pergolesi. Each of the four chapters of this book focuses on one of these four leading characters of Italian history (Dante, Petrarch, Pergolesi and Verdi), whose artistry shaped our culture. They also created new ways to express the splendour of truth, which transforms aesthetic enjoyment into the contemplation of the ultimate Good, the radiant beauty of God.

—

Dante, Petrarch, Pergolesi, Bach and Verdi: through beauty, culture and music to the splendour of truth.