ECENTLY PREMIERED on EWTN, The Song of the Longing Heart chronicles Paul Jerberg’s work towards the renewal of sacred music in the Roman Catholic Church. Jerberg’s fascinating and diverse life experiences led to his conversion to the Catholic faith and sharpened his focus as an educator, composer, and conductor. The result is Jerberg is one of the most important voices on sacred music in the Church today.
He acknowledges that the renewal of sacred music is “not an easy task…[I]t really requires a deep conversion in all of us…it has to do with the way we approach the Mass. It has to do with the way we approach God.”
Jernberg’s approach to composition is methodical, but inspired. He claims his work would make no sense in concert, but only in the context of Mass. But his music is truly sublime and can only draw one deeper into prayer. He understands his work must point to something much larger than itself. Such music is born out of deep love for God and each other.
Watch the entire documentary here!
OTHER RESOURCES of interest from Paul Jernberg:
• The Fire of Your Love – a fully sung Mass with the Cor Unum Chorale, under the direction of Paul Jernberg
• EWTN Live – Fr. Mitch Pacwa interviews Paul Jernberg on Catholic sacred music and its renewal today
• The Magnificat Institute, a non-profit organization promoting the renewal of sacred music in the Catholic Church.
• Paul Jernberg’s website — Recordings, music scores, blogs, podcasts, and other resources.
