It's that time of year again

Feeling a tad schizophrenic. Last year, around this time, posted about a general dislike of Christmas music. But since it is the time of year to write about Christmas music... I have been listening to it nigh non-stop for three weeks and counting. Ever since purchasing Bela Fleck and the Flecktones' Christmas CD. Greatly enjoying (mostly) the artistry mixed with playful revelry. Subject, verb, subject, verb, my kingdom for someone with a decent sense of grammar! Never. Not me. Not on your life. I send Blackberries.

Yes. I admit it. I crave "Jingle Bells" as performed by Bela Fleck and the Flecktones along with their very special guests. At first I was taken aback by the unusual throat singing. I found it somewhat distasteful. I associate throat singing with Tibetan monks and thought the juxtaposition of Christmas music with a Buddhist tradition rather appalling. But then in started to grow on me, in a good way. I admire the artistry and musicianship and I am no longer negatively distracted by the throat singing.

However, it brings me to an interesting spiritual application. Where is the "spirituality" in the performance of music? Is it in the performers? Is it in the style of music? Is it in the composition? Is it in some nebulous region in between or some combination of the above?

I believe the "spirituality" of music lies chiefly in the lyrics. Music that does not have a "programme" or words is hard for me to appreciate in any spiritual sense. I have discussed here before "spirituality" in one of Beethoven's late works. Certainly, there is something to the notion that we apply (or project) our own integrated spiritual presuppositions on the music that we listen to. However I can enjoy "Jingle Bells" with no sense of "spirituality" applied to the music. Or can I? Is all of life truly worship? I fear I may be trampling on some sacred cows here, but can I simply listen to Jingle Bells and be merry?

I also like "The Christmas Song," "Winter Wonderland," and "Sleigh Ride." Especially Johnny Mathis's "Sleigh Ride." Rock on. And merry Christmas to all!