Composer Sir James MacMillan Discusses Music and Faith at CUA
Renowned composer Sir James MacMillan recently spoke at The Catholic University of America (CUA) with Peter Kadeli, the university’s director of music. Their discussion centered on how music serves to convey prayers to God.
MacMillan, known for incorporating his Scottish heritage and Catholic faith into his compositions, visited CUA as part of the “Welcoming Children in Worship” project. This initiative aims to encourage Catholics to explore various worship resources, especially sacred music.
Music’s Central Role in Worship
MacMillan emphasized that music has been integral to his life since childhood and believes it’s a core component of liturgical life, not merely an addition. He stressed the importance of composing liturgical music, viewing it as a profound responsibility rather than an act of ego. He stated that composers writing for the liturgy help carry the “thoughts and prayers and meditations of the people of God, to the altar of God.” He urged the Church to recognize music as central to its creative identity.
The Importance of Beauty
The conversation also explored the concept of beauty in relation to faith. MacMillan equated beauty with God for Catholics, linking it inextricably with truth and goodness. He observed that while the Church often preaches about truth and goodness, there needs to be a greater emphasis on beauty. “I have heard some great sermons throughout my life on truth and on goodness, [but] not enough on beauty yet,” he remarked, suggesting the Church should cultivate a love and search for beauty among its members.
Music as a Spiritual Art
MacMillan described music as an “intrinsically spiritual art form,” a quality he believes is recognized even by skeptics and non-believers. He concluded that music inherently possesses something that connects to the infinite, opening a pathway or “window [to] the divine.”
