Taizé appeals to the ear, while Iona more readily attracts the eye. People who return from Taizé invariably speak of the beauty of the chanted songs that constitute its worship. Those coming back from Iona mention the wild splendor of the island itself. But Iona is celebrated for its creative music as well (with John Bell, for example) and Taizé is surrounded by the beautiful vineyard-covered hills of Burgundy. Together they point to a common desire—a wish that the whole of creation break into song in awe of God’s glory.
