From the secular world to the Church These musical traditions are plentiful and diverse in style. In synchrony with the expectation of a Savior, greet the return of light to our dark winter and the return of light. An entire repertoire of secular songs, such as noels and carols, was born in the Middle Ages in Central European, Iberian, Romanesque and Anglo-Saxon countries. The liturgy often borrowed them to ensure the participation of the faithful. They found their way into choirs initiated by the Lutheran Reformation, Catholic hymns and motets. From Josquin des Prés to Olivier Messiaen, composers have also drawn from this heritage and enriched it with works of religious or secular inspiration, vocal or instrumental.