Classical music is sometimes divided in two large groups: the sacred and the profane. One example of musica sacra could be Bach’s Jesus Joy of Man’s Desire, or Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis. On the other hand, Bizet’s Carmen or Verdi’s La Traviata are examples of profane, entertainment music. In the centuries before the Second Vatican Council, the music played during Mass was always musica sacra. Everyone respected that division. In fact the part covers would identify the composition as da chiesa (I … [Read more...]