Chris writes (2015)
The spiritual significance of music is basically the spiritual significance of any art form. It is the reflective power of the artist rather than the subject of what they are portraying. So a painting by Monet of an insignificant subject such as a hay bale, or even a half empty dinner plate, has more significance than a painting of the Grand Canyon by an amateur or student painter. In this way, the art process leads to eternity: a state where time ceases to exist. The arts succeed where religion often fails. The social organization of a religion tends to override the object of their being there in the first place. Whereas the artistic process is a direct communication from the inner soul, the very essence of ourselves that is beyond body, mind, or time. As a Rock musician, I feel I am on the sidelines, but I have to conclude that listening to Bach’s Jesu, Joy Of Man’s Desiring there could be no better proof of a higher being beyond this mortal coil. And if you don’t like Bach, try reading Marcel Proust.
“The artistic process is a direct communication from the inner soul, the very essence of ourselves that is beyond body, mind, or time.”
– Chris Copping, bassist and organist in Procol Harum