The Pope and his brother enjoy anniversary concert

The Pope and his brother Monsignor Georg Ratzinger are known for their love and knowledge of classic music. So, a concert given at the papal summer residence at Castelgandolfo on Tuesday seemed the perfect way of marking the 60th anniversary of the brothers’ ordination to the priesthood.

Speaking at the end of this musical evening provided by the “New Seasons” Ensemble, the Pope began by saying that with the “wonderful music that still echoes in our hearts, surely nothing can be added. But graciously the Holy Father went to thank all those who had made this concert possible including the conductor Albrecht Mayer and violinist Arabella Steinbecher.

The Pope and his brother had been treated to works by composers Antonio Vivaldi and Johann Sebastien Bach whom he called two representatives of truly great music of the 18th century.

The Pope described both composers as men of deep devotion and this religious spirit was he added, revealed in their sacred music scores.

Ending with a reflection on the music of Bach, Pope Benedict described it as harmonious in construction echoing, he said, that harmonious construction which God has imprinted on creation. Listen