Tomoko converted to Catholicism in college. One of the unique features of that religion is its famous saints. Several of those saints have special meaning for musicians.
Saint Cecilia is the most famous patroness of musicians.
According to legend, she heard heavenly music as she was being wed to a pagan.
She told her husband-to-be that she was already betrothed to an angel. When he
asked to see that angel, he actually did – and was converted.
Saint Gregory lends his name to Gregorian chant. Why?
Because this 6th century Pope created this kind of monophonic music to
accompany liturgical texts.
Saint Dunstan restored monastic life in 9th
century England, and served as a minute of state to kings. Later in life he
taught in Canterbury’s Cathedral school and wrote hymns.
Saint Hildegard Von Bingen, a German who lived in the
12th century, is considered one of the most prolific and respected
composer of liturgical music. She also wrote the musical morality play “Ordo
Virtutum.”
Tomoko and many other musicians may have felt the guidance
of these saints as they performed and taught music.
