..you raise the question of what will be the source of
inspiration to Bahá'í musicians and composers: the music of the past or the
Word? We cannot possibly foresee, standing as we do on the threshold of Bahá'í
culture, what forms and characteristics the arts of the future, inspired by
this Mighty New Revelation, will have. All we can be sure of is that they will
be wonderful; as every Faith has given rise to a culture which flowered in
different forms, so too our beloved Faith may be expected to do the same thing.
It is premature to try and grasp what they will be at present.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter
dated 23 December 1942 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual
believer; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. III, The Importance of Arts in
Promoting the Faith)
