De taal van de ziel

Abstract

In addition to being a vehicle for the conveyance of rational thought any language - the word is used here in the widest sense of the word - even more importantly conveys emotions and feelings. This article outlines the various ways in which the language of the Muses, and the language of music in particular, has been approached and experienced in the Western liturgical tradition. In addition to its function as an aid to better basic comprehensibility and to the speaking together of the worshipping community, music has always helped worshippers to experience the emotional side of the liturgy. It will turn out that processes of liturgical inculturation that are going on at present, must and will take account of this lesson of history.