Telegraph on Catholic music

The London Telegraph opines on the state of Catholic music, and supports Pope Benedict's move back to Gregorian chant and Renaissance polyphony.

Church music in Italy is generally atrocious, and the Vatican is no exception.

The Pope, who last year appointed a new choir director of St Peter's, wants Gregorian chant, polyphony and baroque masterpieces to dominate the repertoire in the basilica and the Sistine chapel. And, by making his preferences clear, he is sending out a message to the whole Catholic Church.

The next generation of choir directors have been charged by the Pope with the task of reintroducing beautiful music into church. If they succeed, then at long last the pews may begin to fill up again.

We can only hope.