Simon Nolan

Carmel and Music Simon Nolan

This book is an exploration of the Carmelite Order's influence on music. The major Carmelite composers and musicians (Bartonlino da Padova, John Hothby, Giovanni Bonadies, Manuel Cardoso, Benedictus Buns, and Herman Cohen) and those inspired by Carmelite history, spirituality, or even a particular Carmelite have been an inspiration to major composers (Francis Poulenc, Lennex Berkeley, John Tavener, George Handel, and Felix Mendelssohn) are discussed. The book is intended primarily for the general reader who is interested in exploring the topic of Carmel and music. It is remarkable that the Carmelite Order has produced several musicians of world standing and that its rich history and spirituality has been such an inspiration to first-rate composers in various ages. Music does seem to open our ears onto the transcendent and it does have the power to go deep within the heart and would appear, therefore, to go very well with the Carmelite charism with its emphasis on meeting God and the journey within.