“WE SING TO FEEL…” 3/21/08
by SteveA brief quote for your consideration today: “We sing to feel a world we can only imagine.” (Circling My Mother: A Memoir by Mary Gordon)
When I read that, I couldn’t help but think about the Easter cantata our choir will be presenting this Sunday morning at 10. Titled The Rose of Calvary, this cantata captures almost perfectly the pain and the glory that is Easter. As I have worked with our choir to learn this glorious music, I have frequently been moved to tears and goosebumps by the sheer beauty of the music and the words.
The music was composed by Joseph Martin, and the lyrics were written by his wife. This husband and wife team worked together to create a musical experience like few I have ever seen. The music is so perfectly wedded to the words, so supremely able to communicate the power of different scenes from Jesus’ life, that in hearing it, you actually feel yourself becoming a part of the story. The choir has been challenged both musically and spiritually in our preparation, and we are eager to perform it, because we believe it will be such a blessing to those who hear it.
There are some stories that beg to be set to music, because only music has the power to communicate the message as it deserves to be presented. Easter is one such story. “We sing to feel a world we can only imagine,” says it all. God gave us the gift of music as a means of sharing the old, old story of Jesus and his love, because there are some things for which mere words are not enough. On this Good Friday, I thank God for the gift of music.
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I am in love with a few of the songs we will be singing Sunday, Steve. Love’s Way just makes me think of a multi-layered version of the Beatles’ tune, All You Need is Love.
And then there is In the Praetorium. The ending is ethereal.
The almost chanted Kyrie eleison. I just discovered it is Greek for “Lord, have mercy”. (I’m a bit slow sometimes)
I’m so glad you’re going to be here to sing it! We had a great rehearsal Wednesday night, so if everyone stays healthy, it should be superb!
Hey Steve;
well after reading this blog im really excited to hear what the choir has put together for tommorow.
on another note I have been writing a paper that is due tuesday that I would really like you to look over and give some feed back on. However i do not have your email address, so i you could email me at:
nicholassimmerson@yahoo.com
or
slicknickws_007@yahoo.com
I will send you the paper and i would greatly appreciate to hear what you think.
Steve The music and singing on Easter was BEAUTIFUL! What wonderful and talented people we have in our choir. It was moving and enjoyable at the same time.
Thanks, Doreen! What a blessing! It’s also been great to have Kelsey’s boyfriend with us so often!