Religion

Question 1

What was the view towards Christianity in Britain in the 19th century?

Answer 1

• Legacy of reformation and anti-catholicism still prominent in society – only with Catholic Emancipation Act of 1829 can a catholic become an MP. Only in 1850 is catholic clergy established in England – but this causes great protests (muscular Christianity).
• Some Anglicans want to move towards Catholicism – Oxford movement of 1840s.
• Charles Kingsley, author. One of architects of what Protestantism should be – got into public debate with cardinal Newman, librettist of Dream of Gerontius.

Question 2

What is muscular Christianity?

Answer 2

• In context of a mixed nation, religion and (increasingly) race
• Charles Kingsley saw Catholicism as very irish – and that the Irish were not truly white. Believed in gradation by skin colour. Viewed Britain as teutonic and Anglo-Saxon.
• Also anti education of women
• Believed in patriarchy, in Empire and strong work-ethic, duty to others and to Empire
• Very little to do with doctrine
• Saw Catholicism as effeminate

Question 3

What was the main religious cause of English resentment to DoG?

Answer 3

• DoG 1900
• Strong protestant reaction against pervasive catholic themes
• Overt catholic themes of poem – describes man’s death and his soul’s journey through purgatory
• Elgar himself was Catholic (unlike Stanford and Parry)
• Early performances often censored (especially Marian sections) e.g. in Worcester Cathedral
• Premiere had to be in Catholic Westminster Cathedral (so King Ed VII couldn’t come)
• Catholic themes condemned for decadent nature – glorification of shame and suffering and eroticism – linked with Decadent movement of French and English poets late 19th century.

Question 4

Why was the first performance of DoG a failure?

Answer 4

• Singers using one part
• Anti-Catholic choirmaster didn’t ask Elgar to oversee rehearsals
• Soloists all over the place – lack of enthusiasm