Fourth Sunday After Epiphany
The winter storm on Wednesday has unfortunately forced us to alter our worship services for this weekend. Both Bells of Praise and Cherub Choir were scheduled to be featured this weekend, but since there were no rehearsals yesterday, both of those performances have been delayed. After the ice on Sunday that cancelled the REJOICE service, this has been a difficult week for us, but hopefully the worship services this weekend will be just as fulfilling and meaningful as they would have been with their original components.
PRELUDE
Be Thou My Vision - Paul Manz
As an organist, Paul Manz was most well known for his hymn arrangements and improvisations. They would range from the simplest representations of a tune to an amazingly complex rendition requiring the highest levels of organ virtuosity.
Be Thou My Vision is the former. After a brief ritornello, the tune presents itself plainly and clearly. With a clear separation between melody and accompaniment, the accompaniment frequently travels around, over the top, and back underneath the melody, a technique especially suited to the organ.
OPENING HYMN
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Anyone who reads Music Notes regularly knows that I think of this hymn as more of a hymn of praise, rather than something meditative or contemplative. My evidence is right in the first stanza, "Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise."
This hymn has been oft criticized as being archaic or antiquated, due to its use of words like "ebenezer," "hither," and "fetter," among others. There have been many revisions that have been done to this hymn over the years, but none of them have stuck. There is something that rings so true with this passionate text that no alteration or change is able to capture. That's why, despite the continued evolution of hymnody, this text has remained tried and true.
HYMN OF THE DAY
Be Thou My Vision
This wonderful poem traces back to 6th century Ireland, but wasn't used as a hymn until the early 1900's, where it was married to the Irish folk tune SLANE (a marriage that is one of the strongest in hymnody).
This weekend, Pastor Sandberg will be preaching that the Good News of the Bible must be more than just talked about... they have to be lived. The verses of this hymn call for the strength to have the devotion necessary to live the Good News that is talked about in the Bible.
OFFERING
Love is Patient, Love Is Kind (St. Paul's School Choir)
School Choir this week will be performing a song that sings the praise of the 2 Corinthians scripture that will be read earlier in the service. Biblical education for children of that age is something that is frequently overlooked, and this type of song is such that they will remember for the rest of their lives where to find this scripture and what it is about.
COMMUNION HYMN
O God Of Mercy, God Of Light (7:45 AM only)
I feel the key to this hymn is the phrase "in you." Each stanza ends with a petition of something we can do for God as thanks for all he gives us. Whether we live our lives, do our work, rest our hope, or love them all in the name of God, it all exists because God sent his son to save us all.
CLOSING HYMN
God's Word Is Our Great Heritage
I've used this brief stanza several times as a Gospel Acclamation, but it will serve the purpose of sending us out from worship as well. It's the Good News of God's word that is our great heritage, it shall be ours forever, and we will share this Good News not just with our words, but with our actions as well.
POSTLUDE
A Mighty Fortress - Charles Ore
This is probably the most fun setting of this chorale that I have ever found and played. After the opening measure, it settles into its rhythmic base which travels in parallel motion up and down the keyboard. It occasionally breaks off into the tune itself, but only briefly. The motor rhythm is what truly defines the piece.
In a second section, the constant driving sixteenth notes punctuate a trumpet fanfare that continually modulates upward. The piece grows to a glorious conclusion with a strong statement of the last line of the tune. The rhythmic motive from the beginning briefly returns before the fiery conclusion.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Music Notes: January 27, 2013
Third Sunday After Epiphany
This Sunday, the final Sunday of our visioning process, the theme of the service is "Hold Fast To What Is Good." On this visioning journey, we are called to care for one another, overcome divisions, and bring healing into God's world.
PRELUDE
Fugue, BWV 552 "ST ANNE" (Part 1) - J.S. Bach
This short excerpt comes from a larger Prelude and Fugue in E-flat by J.S. Bach. It is known as the "ST. ANNE" fugue due to its subject having a strong similarity to the hymn tune ST. ANNE, known to us as the tune for "O God, Our Help In Ages Past." Though Bach would have likely known this tune, it is unlikely that this fugue is truly based off of the subject and is merely a coincidence, since it only uses the first seven notes, and is a common order for a fugal melody (5-3-6-5-8-8-7-8). Regardless, the fugue is a lovely example of counterpoint. The first part is the simplest of the three, and contains an older stile antico style of contrapuntal writing.
OPENING HYMN
Open Now, Thy Gates Of Beauty
Benjamin Schmolck wrote a great deal of hymns for the early Lutheran church, but this is one of the few that survives and remains in use. This translation by Catherine Winkworth gives us a text of joy and gratefulness for the space in which we gather and the actions we do in that space. Whether it be prayer or praise, our souls become interlaced with God as he acts as our "guiding star through life."
HYMN OF THE DAY
The Church's One Foundation (7:45 AM)
This timeless text comes to us from Samuel J. Stone, who was a follower of Methodist founder Charles Wesley. The text lives on the metaphor of Christ as the husband and the church, his bride. Stanza two declares the first clause of the Apostle's Creed "I believe in one God, the father, the almighty." Stanza three and its idea of schisms are just as applicable now as they were when the text was composed.
Stanza four is extremely important. Despite the trials and tribulations, we wait with hope and expectation for the dust to settle and peace to reign. Thanks to the "vision glorious" our great church will finally be at rest.
Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song (9:00 AM)
Founded in 1931, Les Petites Soeurs (The Little Sisters) is an all-female religious congregation centered in France, which contains about 1300 members. Its doors are always open to people searching for a place to belong, companionship, togetherness, and fellowship. With that context in mind, it is quite easy to see how the words of this hymn were born. As we travel through our lives, with every step we take, Jesus is right there with us.
OFFERING
Two A Capella Canons (Dona Nobis Pacem and Jubilate Deo - Friends of the Lord
Friends of the Lord has spent January learning two important concepts: singing without a piano or other instruments (a capella) and singing in canon. They will do both of these this Sunday across two songs. The first, "Dona Nobis Pacem" is a traditional canon that translates as "Grant Us Peace." The second, Jubilate Deo, is a shorter melody that will be repeated several times. It is translated as "Rejoice in God," or "Praise God."
COMMUNION HYMNS
All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly (9:00 AM)
Sylvia Dunstan is one of the finest hymn writers of the 20th century. She died in 1993 at the age of 38. This hymn is all about unity; our unity as a congregation. We come from far and wide, whether it be from wilderness, restlessness, or loneliness, we come to a table to share a meal together. We who were all once and scattered come together around the Communion table.
Will You Let Me Be Your Servant (7:45 AM and 9:00 AM)
This is a late 20th century hymn of servanthood and mission. This hymn, while also employing the themes of unity from the first communion hymn, is also ultimately a prayer for strength and guidance that we may be able to guide ourselves and each other on the paths of servanthood.
Blest Be The Tie That Binds (9:00 AM)
This is a third hymn in a series that focuses on unity. If you are a frequent partaker in the theater, you may know that this hymn plays a very crucial part in Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize winning play, Our Town. The words certainly are reflective of a small community with close ties.
John Fawcett, the author of this text, was a British pastor and theologan. The story behind this hymn is both interesting and inspiring. Pastor Fawcett was a much loved pastor in the very small English town of Wainsgate. He had a growing family and his meager salary was hardly sufficient for supporting them. In 1772 he received a call to one of the largest Baptist churches in London and chose to accept. However, the reaction to his leaving was so strong and fervent that he elected to stay. In commemoration of this, he crafted this hymn.
CLOSING HYMN
O God Our Help In Ages Past
Isaac Watts, along with Charles Wesley, was one of the most powerful influences in modern hymn writing to come out of the 18th century. An enormous amount of his 750+ hymns remain in common usage today, and have been translated into dozens of languages for use all over the world.
O God, Our Help In Ages Past is a psalm paraphrase based on Psalm 90. It was originally a part of the collection called The Psalms of David Imitated in the Language of the New Testament, published originally in 1619. In it, Watts set all of the Psalms in this accessible poetry minus twelve of them.
POSTLUDE
Toccata on ST. ANNE- Gordon Young
Most organists know that the word Toccata is synonymous with the name Gordon Young. Most toccatas contain florid passagework in the hands accompanied by the tune in the pedal. This toccata alternates between the aforementioned passagework and the tune presented in joyous, full, sonorous chords.
This Sunday, the final Sunday of our visioning process, the theme of the service is "Hold Fast To What Is Good." On this visioning journey, we are called to care for one another, overcome divisions, and bring healing into God's world.
PRELUDE
Fugue, BWV 552 "ST ANNE" (Part 1) - J.S. Bach
This short excerpt comes from a larger Prelude and Fugue in E-flat by J.S. Bach. It is known as the "ST. ANNE" fugue due to its subject having a strong similarity to the hymn tune ST. ANNE, known to us as the tune for "O God, Our Help In Ages Past." Though Bach would have likely known this tune, it is unlikely that this fugue is truly based off of the subject and is merely a coincidence, since it only uses the first seven notes, and is a common order for a fugal melody (5-3-6-5-8-8-7-8). Regardless, the fugue is a lovely example of counterpoint. The first part is the simplest of the three, and contains an older stile antico style of contrapuntal writing.
OPENING HYMN
Open Now, Thy Gates Of Beauty
Benjamin Schmolck wrote a great deal of hymns for the early Lutheran church, but this is one of the few that survives and remains in use. This translation by Catherine Winkworth gives us a text of joy and gratefulness for the space in which we gather and the actions we do in that space. Whether it be prayer or praise, our souls become interlaced with God as he acts as our "guiding star through life."
HYMN OF THE DAY
The Church's One Foundation (7:45 AM)
This timeless text comes to us from Samuel J. Stone, who was a follower of Methodist founder Charles Wesley. The text lives on the metaphor of Christ as the husband and the church, his bride. Stanza two declares the first clause of the Apostle's Creed "I believe in one God, the father, the almighty." Stanza three and its idea of schisms are just as applicable now as they were when the text was composed.
Stanza four is extremely important. Despite the trials and tribulations, we wait with hope and expectation for the dust to settle and peace to reign. Thanks to the "vision glorious" our great church will finally be at rest.
Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song (9:00 AM)
Founded in 1931, Les Petites Soeurs (The Little Sisters) is an all-female religious congregation centered in France, which contains about 1300 members. Its doors are always open to people searching for a place to belong, companionship, togetherness, and fellowship. With that context in mind, it is quite easy to see how the words of this hymn were born. As we travel through our lives, with every step we take, Jesus is right there with us.
OFFERING
Two A Capella Canons (Dona Nobis Pacem and Jubilate Deo - Friends of the Lord
Friends of the Lord has spent January learning two important concepts: singing without a piano or other instruments (a capella) and singing in canon. They will do both of these this Sunday across two songs. The first, "Dona Nobis Pacem" is a traditional canon that translates as "Grant Us Peace." The second, Jubilate Deo, is a shorter melody that will be repeated several times. It is translated as "Rejoice in God," or "Praise God."
COMMUNION HYMNS
All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly (9:00 AM)
Sylvia Dunstan is one of the finest hymn writers of the 20th century. She died in 1993 at the age of 38. This hymn is all about unity; our unity as a congregation. We come from far and wide, whether it be from wilderness, restlessness, or loneliness, we come to a table to share a meal together. We who were all once and scattered come together around the Communion table.
Will You Let Me Be Your Servant (7:45 AM and 9:00 AM)
This is a late 20th century hymn of servanthood and mission. This hymn, while also employing the themes of unity from the first communion hymn, is also ultimately a prayer for strength and guidance that we may be able to guide ourselves and each other on the paths of servanthood.
Blest Be The Tie That Binds (9:00 AM)
This is a third hymn in a series that focuses on unity. If you are a frequent partaker in the theater, you may know that this hymn plays a very crucial part in Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize winning play, Our Town. The words certainly are reflective of a small community with close ties.
John Fawcett, the author of this text, was a British pastor and theologan. The story behind this hymn is both interesting and inspiring. Pastor Fawcett was a much loved pastor in the very small English town of Wainsgate. He had a growing family and his meager salary was hardly sufficient for supporting them. In 1772 he received a call to one of the largest Baptist churches in London and chose to accept. However, the reaction to his leaving was so strong and fervent that he elected to stay. In commemoration of this, he crafted this hymn.
CLOSING HYMN
O God Our Help In Ages Past
Isaac Watts, along with Charles Wesley, was one of the most powerful influences in modern hymn writing to come out of the 18th century. An enormous amount of his 750+ hymns remain in common usage today, and have been translated into dozens of languages for use all over the world.
O God, Our Help In Ages Past is a psalm paraphrase based on Psalm 90. It was originally a part of the collection called The Psalms of David Imitated in the Language of the New Testament, published originally in 1619. In it, Watts set all of the Psalms in this accessible poetry minus twelve of them.
POSTLUDE
Toccata on ST. ANNE- Gordon Young
Most organists know that the word Toccata is synonymous with the name Gordon Young. Most toccatas contain florid passagework in the hands accompanied by the tune in the pedal. This toccata alternates between the aforementioned passagework and the tune presented in joyous, full, sonorous chords.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Music Notes: January 20th, 2013
Second Sunday After Epiphany
Not only will we celebrate the wedding at Cana this week where Jesus performs one of his first miracles, but we will continue our journey through the visioning process and 1 Thessalonians 4:20, which talks about testing. Testing, or trials, are referred to in the prayer that Jesus taught us (Save us from the time of trial). Throughout the history of society, many different types of people in different situations and cultures have been through a time of trial, whether it be individually or corporately.
Jesus at the wedding at Cana was part miracle, part prank. Not only was changing hundreds of gallons of water into wine a miracle, but Jesus then turned to the steward, who while being baffled that the good wine had not been served yet, turned to the hosts and questioned their choice for saving the good wine until the end.
God tests us to turn our own water into wine, and to also go out and find wine in the world to celebrate the joy and praise that we all have for God.
PRELUDE
Wedding Day At Troldhaugen - Edvard Grieg
Edvard Grieg's piano output is most known for his Lyric Pieces. These short works, which number in the many dozens, are some of the most charming, emotional, passionate, and colorful pieces in the literature.
It's become a bit of a tradition of mine to play this particular Lyric Piece whenever the wedding at Cana gospel is presented. The piece is in ABA form. The A section is joyous and celebratory, with an ornamented melody on top of an open fifth progression that travels around the circle of fifths. The B section, while retaining the open fifths, is more serene, built around a descending four note figure. The piece closes with the exact music that it opens with along with a coda. It ends with ascending and descending open fifths with a sudden, joyous fortissimo chord.
OPENING HYMN
Songs of Thankfulness and Praise
This is a wonderful "past, present, future" hymn as we continue to go through Epiphany. It first addresses Jesus' birth and baptism in stanzas one and two, the present acts that we discuss today in stanza three (wedding at Cana), and finally, the future, where he overcomes sin and saves us from all of our future sins.
A key word in this hymn is the word "manifest." It is sung ten total times, including the short refrain-like phrase, "God in flesh made manifest." The adjective meaning that Jesus was, at the time, the empirical, undeniable presence of God on earth. Throughout the hymn, the birth, baptism, and actions of Jesus are all made manifest as well.
The tune, named after the birthplace of Mozart and one of the largest cities in Austria (SALZBURG), was composed by Austrian composer Jakob Hintze. The harmonization we have in our ELW hymnal was created by J.S. Bach.
HYMN OF THE DAY
Signs and Wonders
Susan Palo Cherwien is most commonly known as the wife of composer and church musician David Cherwien, but Susan's hymn writings and poems are truly in a class of their own.
The idea here is that we travel out into the world, head out, sharing our wine, seeking out wine in the world. The hymn tells us to "heed Christ's call" and step outside of the church with the good news of Christ defeating death.
Christ changing that water into wine was certainly both a sign and a wonder. The Gospel even calls this the "first of his signs." It's these stories that inspire us to go out into the world "dancing." The hymn starts with these signs and wonders, and ends with us, dancing out into the world performing our own signs and wonders, as small as they may be.
OFFERING
Speak, O Lord - Getty/Townend; arr. John Ferguson
I never would have thought that I would find a John Ferguson arrangement of a Keith Getty/Stuart Townend song. Ferg takes this beautiful melody and crafts it in such a way that it emphasizes and clarifies the meaning of the text, where we come to the Lord and receive the food of the Holy Word. While maintaining the original melody, he also adds in several countermelodies and countermotives that are perceivable throughout the piece as well.
COMMUNION HYMNS
Soul, Adorn Yourself With Gladness
This is one of the most theologically complex hymns in our entire hymnal. If we could sum it up with one line, I would probably choose line three from the first stanza, "Bless the one whose grace unbounded this amazing banquet founded."
Unity, eagerness, joy, and peace are all common themes throughout the stanzas. The metaphor of a bride meeting her husband exists throughout the second stanza. In the third, the sense of wonder through the miracle of communion almost overcomes the writer, calling it a "glorious consolation" and labeling the Bread of Life as "boundless."
Around You, O Lord Jesus
I actually use this lovely text and tune quite a bit at the REJOICE service. To my recollection, it is the first time it has been used at the traditional service.
It's a beautifully simplistic poem based around the idea of joining Jesus at the Holy table of Communion. We hear the invitation of Jesus and gratefully accept it. This invitation brings us closer to Jesus and into his loving heart from where we will never depart.
This tune, despite coming from a Dutch psalmbook dating from c. 1570, actually sounds much more like it was written in the mid to late 19th century. The melody has a beautiful lilt and is supremely singable.
CLOSING HYMN
Thine The Amen
Numerous times now, I've referred to this Herbert Brokering text as a "stream of consciousness" hymn. It has no punctuation, and it continually cycles through various things we are thankful and grateful for. Where this hymn intentionally lacks in organization and structure, it makes up for it in pure spirit, thankfulness, and outright praise. It is almost as though we are speaking in tongues.
The tune accompanying this by Charl Schalk is extremely appropriate for the characteristics of the text. Moving almost constantly on step-wise eighth notes, the music allows the text to just roll off the tongue. In the final line of the hymn, the music goes all the way up the scale and beyond, which paints the text of the stanzas beautifully.
POSTLUDE
Freu Dich Sehr, BWV an. 52 - J.S. Bach
Bach two weeks in a row? I guess it doesn't hurt to get my yearly quota out in two weeks.
Bach wrote several settings of this chorale. This is one that was discovered after his death, and I have yet to find a professionally made recording of it. This makes me excited, since there is no standard of excellence that has already been established, which is usually what internally prevents me from playing the more well known Bach works.
This is a quick, sprightly dance in 12/8 that resembles a gigue, a dance that would end a lot of Bach's through composed piano works such as the suites and partitas. The tune is presented clearly on top of the structure, decorated with characteristic Bach ornamentation, sequences, and other lovely expressions of Bach's love for his music and his creator.
Not only will we celebrate the wedding at Cana this week where Jesus performs one of his first miracles, but we will continue our journey through the visioning process and 1 Thessalonians 4:20, which talks about testing. Testing, or trials, are referred to in the prayer that Jesus taught us (Save us from the time of trial). Throughout the history of society, many different types of people in different situations and cultures have been through a time of trial, whether it be individually or corporately.
Jesus at the wedding at Cana was part miracle, part prank. Not only was changing hundreds of gallons of water into wine a miracle, but Jesus then turned to the steward, who while being baffled that the good wine had not been served yet, turned to the hosts and questioned their choice for saving the good wine until the end.
God tests us to turn our own water into wine, and to also go out and find wine in the world to celebrate the joy and praise that we all have for God.
PRELUDE
Wedding Day At Troldhaugen - Edvard Grieg
Edvard Grieg's piano output is most known for his Lyric Pieces. These short works, which number in the many dozens, are some of the most charming, emotional, passionate, and colorful pieces in the literature.
It's become a bit of a tradition of mine to play this particular Lyric Piece whenever the wedding at Cana gospel is presented. The piece is in ABA form. The A section is joyous and celebratory, with an ornamented melody on top of an open fifth progression that travels around the circle of fifths. The B section, while retaining the open fifths, is more serene, built around a descending four note figure. The piece closes with the exact music that it opens with along with a coda. It ends with ascending and descending open fifths with a sudden, joyous fortissimo chord.
OPENING HYMN
Songs of Thankfulness and Praise
This is a wonderful "past, present, future" hymn as we continue to go through Epiphany. It first addresses Jesus' birth and baptism in stanzas one and two, the present acts that we discuss today in stanza three (wedding at Cana), and finally, the future, where he overcomes sin and saves us from all of our future sins.
A key word in this hymn is the word "manifest." It is sung ten total times, including the short refrain-like phrase, "God in flesh made manifest." The adjective meaning that Jesus was, at the time, the empirical, undeniable presence of God on earth. Throughout the hymn, the birth, baptism, and actions of Jesus are all made manifest as well.
The tune, named after the birthplace of Mozart and one of the largest cities in Austria (SALZBURG), was composed by Austrian composer Jakob Hintze. The harmonization we have in our ELW hymnal was created by J.S. Bach.
HYMN OF THE DAY
Signs and Wonders
Susan Palo Cherwien is most commonly known as the wife of composer and church musician David Cherwien, but Susan's hymn writings and poems are truly in a class of their own.
The idea here is that we travel out into the world, head out, sharing our wine, seeking out wine in the world. The hymn tells us to "heed Christ's call" and step outside of the church with the good news of Christ defeating death.
Christ changing that water into wine was certainly both a sign and a wonder. The Gospel even calls this the "first of his signs." It's these stories that inspire us to go out into the world "dancing." The hymn starts with these signs and wonders, and ends with us, dancing out into the world performing our own signs and wonders, as small as they may be.
OFFERING
Speak, O Lord - Getty/Townend; arr. John Ferguson
I never would have thought that I would find a John Ferguson arrangement of a Keith Getty/Stuart Townend song. Ferg takes this beautiful melody and crafts it in such a way that it emphasizes and clarifies the meaning of the text, where we come to the Lord and receive the food of the Holy Word. While maintaining the original melody, he also adds in several countermelodies and countermotives that are perceivable throughout the piece as well.
COMMUNION HYMNS
Soul, Adorn Yourself With Gladness
This is one of the most theologically complex hymns in our entire hymnal. If we could sum it up with one line, I would probably choose line three from the first stanza, "Bless the one whose grace unbounded this amazing banquet founded."
Unity, eagerness, joy, and peace are all common themes throughout the stanzas. The metaphor of a bride meeting her husband exists throughout the second stanza. In the third, the sense of wonder through the miracle of communion almost overcomes the writer, calling it a "glorious consolation" and labeling the Bread of Life as "boundless."
Around You, O Lord Jesus
I actually use this lovely text and tune quite a bit at the REJOICE service. To my recollection, it is the first time it has been used at the traditional service.
It's a beautifully simplistic poem based around the idea of joining Jesus at the Holy table of Communion. We hear the invitation of Jesus and gratefully accept it. This invitation brings us closer to Jesus and into his loving heart from where we will never depart.
This tune, despite coming from a Dutch psalmbook dating from c. 1570, actually sounds much more like it was written in the mid to late 19th century. The melody has a beautiful lilt and is supremely singable.
CLOSING HYMN
Thine The Amen
Numerous times now, I've referred to this Herbert Brokering text as a "stream of consciousness" hymn. It has no punctuation, and it continually cycles through various things we are thankful and grateful for. Where this hymn intentionally lacks in organization and structure, it makes up for it in pure spirit, thankfulness, and outright praise. It is almost as though we are speaking in tongues.
The tune accompanying this by Charl Schalk is extremely appropriate for the characteristics of the text. Moving almost constantly on step-wise eighth notes, the music allows the text to just roll off the tongue. In the final line of the hymn, the music goes all the way up the scale and beyond, which paints the text of the stanzas beautifully.
POSTLUDE
Freu Dich Sehr, BWV an. 52 - J.S. Bach
Bach two weeks in a row? I guess it doesn't hurt to get my yearly quota out in two weeks.
Bach wrote several settings of this chorale. This is one that was discovered after his death, and I have yet to find a professionally made recording of it. This makes me excited, since there is no standard of excellence that has already been established, which is usually what internally prevents me from playing the more well known Bach works.
This is a quick, sprightly dance in 12/8 that resembles a gigue, a dance that would end a lot of Bach's through composed piano works such as the suites and partitas. The tune is presented clearly on top of the structure, decorated with characteristic Bach ornamentation, sequences, and other lovely expressions of Bach's love for his music and his creator.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Music Notes: January 13th, 2013
Baptism Of Our Lord
The Sunday following the celebration of the Epiphany is traditionally the Sunday when the Baptism of Jesus is celebrated as performed by John the Baptist. Also of note this week is our continued exploration of 1 Thessalonians as a part of our visioning process for the SPARK Project. The message this week is "Do not despise the words of the prophets."
There is Biblical evidence that Jesus considered John, his baptizer, a prophet. As Jesus was unanimously considered the "last prophet," it could then be surmised that John the Baptist was the second to last prophet the world has ever seen. Our words and music today celebrate him as a baptizer and a prophet, as well as all those prophets that came before him.
PRELUDE
Meditation on BEACH SPRING - Janet Linker
The BEACH SPRING tune (used this morning in the hymn "Wash O God, Your Sons and Daughters"), is a tune that is very frequently interpreted in various organ pieces. Being so frequently arranged, one has to do something unique to stand out. Janet Linker's arrangement starts simply enough, with the tune sounding over a string accompaniment. One of the more striking features is the use of the Lydian mode, which involves a raised fourth scale degree. It creates a very evocative, lovely sound that fits right in with the pentatonic melody. The piece grows to a lovely climax near the middle, before it winds down and concludes with the tune sounding in a second key.
OPENING HYMN
Wash O God, Your Sons and Daughters
This service will begin with an affirmation of all of our baptisms, and in stanza one of this hymn, the "sons and daughters" of course refer to us. As our baptisms are affirmed, they are done so in a way that has happened for thousands of years all the way back to Christ's baptism. The same promise is made and the same blessings are bestowed. Stanza two then looks ahead to the celebration of Eucharist which we will partake in later that morning. The celebrations of baptism and Eucharist are so closely connected and tied throughout our church lives, and this hymn ties both together beautifully.
We will actually sing the final stanza at the closing of the service. After receiving the gifts and being washed by water and fed by the spirit, we go out into the world being refreshed and fed.
HYMN OF THE DAY
What Is This Place
The idea of a building that comes alive with the spirit of God and its congregants provides quite a moving, profound hymn. Like our opening hymn, this text acknowledges the Eucharist as well. This gift is received inside the four walls of the church, and we can bring it with us out into the world.
Musically, it is a sprightly, homophonic chorale from Denmark. Unlike the German chorales of its day, there is far less interior movement an counterpoint. Rather, the harmonies are quite simple, with a three part melody. The first two parts are identical and the third extended section leads to the conclusion.
OFFERING
The Only Son From Heaven - arr. J.S. Bach
The Only Son From Heaven (Herr Christ, der einig Gottes Sohn), is one of the many hundreds of German chorales that Bach harmonized in his long career. This arrangement of Bach's notes are supplemented by a keyboard harmonization in the style of Bach. The first line of the chorale, "The only Son from heaven, foretold by ancient seers," references our message of the day of the words of the Prophets. Those "ancient seers" are the prophets that we look upon this weekend.
COMMUNION HYMNS
We Are Baptized In Christ Jesus (7:45 AM and 9:00 AM)
This is most well known to me at St. Paul's as the opening hymn for the Baptismal Remembrance service held monthly throughout the school year for St. Paul's School. The message is equally relevant whether it is sung from the voices of children or adults. The first two stanzas, which are sung at the remembrance, tell us that as Jesus died and lived, so will we live with the gift of baptism. The third stanza, which is omitted at the service but sung here, is a doxology praising glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Christ When For Us You Were Baptized
It is such an interesting metaphor in this opening stanza, where the spirit that came upon Christ after his baptism both as "peaceful like a dove" and as "urgent as a flame." Comparing the Holy Spirit as both a dove and a flame show you just how all-encompassing and wonderful it is. This hymn not only touches on baptism themes, but also the gift of that baptism, manifest in the journey Christ took so we no longer have to.
Baptized and Set Free
Where the first two hymns celebrate the baptism in Christ, this final one, which was used as one of the central hymns last year at the All Saints Festival, focuses on us and are baptisms. The language also, is much different than the hymn immediately preceding this. I haven't found many hymns that are more accessible, simple, and profound in its message than this one.
POSTLUDE
The Only Son From Heaven, BWV 601 - J.S. Bach
If Bach harmonized a chorale, it was likely that he wrote a chorale prelude on it as well for the organ. They take many forms and many styles, but are always unified by a chorale that forms the center of the piece. This chorale is in the highest voice of the organ and is decorated with a variety of sixteenth note figurations through the bottom half of the right hand, left hand, and the pedals.
The Sunday following the celebration of the Epiphany is traditionally the Sunday when the Baptism of Jesus is celebrated as performed by John the Baptist. Also of note this week is our continued exploration of 1 Thessalonians as a part of our visioning process for the SPARK Project. The message this week is "Do not despise the words of the prophets."
There is Biblical evidence that Jesus considered John, his baptizer, a prophet. As Jesus was unanimously considered the "last prophet," it could then be surmised that John the Baptist was the second to last prophet the world has ever seen. Our words and music today celebrate him as a baptizer and a prophet, as well as all those prophets that came before him.
PRELUDE
Meditation on BEACH SPRING - Janet Linker
The BEACH SPRING tune (used this morning in the hymn "Wash O God, Your Sons and Daughters"), is a tune that is very frequently interpreted in various organ pieces. Being so frequently arranged, one has to do something unique to stand out. Janet Linker's arrangement starts simply enough, with the tune sounding over a string accompaniment. One of the more striking features is the use of the Lydian mode, which involves a raised fourth scale degree. It creates a very evocative, lovely sound that fits right in with the pentatonic melody. The piece grows to a lovely climax near the middle, before it winds down and concludes with the tune sounding in a second key.
OPENING HYMN
Wash O God, Your Sons and Daughters
This service will begin with an affirmation of all of our baptisms, and in stanza one of this hymn, the "sons and daughters" of course refer to us. As our baptisms are affirmed, they are done so in a way that has happened for thousands of years all the way back to Christ's baptism. The same promise is made and the same blessings are bestowed. Stanza two then looks ahead to the celebration of Eucharist which we will partake in later that morning. The celebrations of baptism and Eucharist are so closely connected and tied throughout our church lives, and this hymn ties both together beautifully.
We will actually sing the final stanza at the closing of the service. After receiving the gifts and being washed by water and fed by the spirit, we go out into the world being refreshed and fed.
HYMN OF THE DAY
What Is This Place
The idea of a building that comes alive with the spirit of God and its congregants provides quite a moving, profound hymn. Like our opening hymn, this text acknowledges the Eucharist as well. This gift is received inside the four walls of the church, and we can bring it with us out into the world.
Musically, it is a sprightly, homophonic chorale from Denmark. Unlike the German chorales of its day, there is far less interior movement an counterpoint. Rather, the harmonies are quite simple, with a three part melody. The first two parts are identical and the third extended section leads to the conclusion.
OFFERING
The Only Son From Heaven - arr. J.S. Bach
The Only Son From Heaven (Herr Christ, der einig Gottes Sohn), is one of the many hundreds of German chorales that Bach harmonized in his long career. This arrangement of Bach's notes are supplemented by a keyboard harmonization in the style of Bach. The first line of the chorale, "The only Son from heaven, foretold by ancient seers," references our message of the day of the words of the Prophets. Those "ancient seers" are the prophets that we look upon this weekend.
COMMUNION HYMNS
We Are Baptized In Christ Jesus (7:45 AM and 9:00 AM)
This is most well known to me at St. Paul's as the opening hymn for the Baptismal Remembrance service held monthly throughout the school year for St. Paul's School. The message is equally relevant whether it is sung from the voices of children or adults. The first two stanzas, which are sung at the remembrance, tell us that as Jesus died and lived, so will we live with the gift of baptism. The third stanza, which is omitted at the service but sung here, is a doxology praising glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Christ When For Us You Were Baptized
It is such an interesting metaphor in this opening stanza, where the spirit that came upon Christ after his baptism both as "peaceful like a dove" and as "urgent as a flame." Comparing the Holy Spirit as both a dove and a flame show you just how all-encompassing and wonderful it is. This hymn not only touches on baptism themes, but also the gift of that baptism, manifest in the journey Christ took so we no longer have to.
Baptized and Set Free
Where the first two hymns celebrate the baptism in Christ, this final one, which was used as one of the central hymns last year at the All Saints Festival, focuses on us and are baptisms. The language also, is much different than the hymn immediately preceding this. I haven't found many hymns that are more accessible, simple, and profound in its message than this one.
POSTLUDE
The Only Son From Heaven, BWV 601 - J.S. Bach
If Bach harmonized a chorale, it was likely that he wrote a chorale prelude on it as well for the organ. They take many forms and many styles, but are always unified by a chorale that forms the center of the piece. This chorale is in the highest voice of the organ and is decorated with a variety of sixteenth note figurations through the bottom half of the right hand, left hand, and the pedals.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Music Notes: January 6th, 2012
Epiphany of our Lord
It isn't very often that January 6th actually falls on a Sunday. Some churches choose to eschew the actual day of Epiphany, instead celebrating Epiphany on the Sunday closest to January 6th. When I started planning St. Paul's music for January 2012 last year, I falsely assumed that the appropriate Sunday would be celebrated as Epiphany, but it wasn't. Thankfully in 2013, January 6th falls on a Sunday.
Though we celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Eve/Day, it isn't until Epiphany when we truly come to the revelation that the infant baby is in fact the Son of God. Through the Magi visiting Jesus, it manifests itself for the remainder of the Gentiles in the world.
PRELUDE
Prélude sur l’Introit de l’Épiphanie - Maurice Duruflé
This short organ miniature by Durufle dates from the early 1960's. It was published very infrequently until Augsburg Fortress included it in the Epiphany album of the Augsburg Organ Library.
The three minute piece is based around the plainsong associated with the chant ‘Ecce advenit dominator Dominus' (Behold the Lord and Ruler Has Come). The strict adherence to the plainchant creates a large variety of mixed meter, while sounding completely natural. The tune can be heard in both the accompanying material as well as a solo trumpet throughout.
OPENING HYMN
O Morning Star, How Fair And Bright
This German chorale based on Psalm 45 is suitable throughout the season of Epiphany, as it also touches on baptism and wedding themes as well. The chorale theme associated with it was likely composed approximately 60 years before, but only came to prominence in association with this paraphrase. It is one of the few chorales where the preferred performance is the "rhythmic" version, unlike many others that have been modified to conform with 19th century styles of hymn singing.
HYMN OF THE DAY
Here I Am, Lord
Daniel Schutte composed this hymn in 1981 in response to Vatican II. One of the primary goals of Vatican II was to get the Catholic church into the vernacular using music that was accessible to all, and this hymn certainly accomplished that and has spread itself to other denominations.
As we embark on this visioning process during January, the parallels of God calling us to a task and us responding are obvious. Hopefully this call and response will continue to inspire us throughout this visioning process.
OFFERING
Precious Lord, Take My Hand - arr. Jack Schrader
Emma Rathe joins us this weekend with a continuation of the message of the Hymn of the Day. Despite being dedicated to the journey, we always need help and guidance along the path. Thomas Dorsey's African American spiritual, like many others, starts us in a dark place ("I am tired, I am weak, I am worn"), but takes us somewhere where light predominates and hope is fulfilled ("At the river I stand, guide my feet, hold my hand"). The one example present in all spirituals is that of hope for the future and the knowledge that our faith will carry us to the promised land.
COMMUNION HYMNS
Arise, Your Light Has Come (7:45 only)
Few hymn writers can express theological concepts through poetry than Ruth Duck can. A professor of worship at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Illinois, one of her missions throughout her career in ministry has been delivering the word of God with the goal that everyone understand and comprehend it.
Just as the light appeared to the Magi as they journeyed to Bethlehem, the light now appears to us as we obey the call of the spirit and shine forth our glory to God.
Bright And Glorious Is The Sky (9:00 only)
Few hymns tell the story of the Epiphany better than this wonderful Grundtvig text, with a translation by hymn writer and preacher Jens Christian Aaberg. The Danish folk tune accompanies the story beautifully and is a joy to sing. The story travels from the appearance of the star of Bethlehem (stanza two), to the Magi noticing and being called by it (stanza three). They came expecting a King, instead finding a gentle maiden and her sweet baby (stanza four). They then recognized and proclaimed the true message of Epiphany, that this child was truly the Son of God (stanza five). It concludes with a wonderful scriptural tie in, where this star shows us the way to Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
As With Gladness Men Of Old (9:00 only)
This Epiphany hymn by William Dix (who had the tune associated with it named after him) goes into more detail of of stanzas three and four of the previous hymn. Stanza four hearkens back to our Hymn of the Day and Offering as we ask for guidance along this journey we are taking the entire month of January.
CLOSING HYMN
Arise Your Light Has Come (9:00 only)
(see note above in "Communion Hymns")
POSTLUDE
How Brightly Shines The Morning Star - Mark Sedio
This postlude is both very simple and very elaborate in its delivery. The tune is unmistakable at the beginning, accompanied by an ascending figure in the pedals. Near the middle of the piece, the tonal center starts to disappear. Despite this, the tune keeps rolling... while it is nearly indistinguishable, it is always present. It closes with a very English sounding series of chords where the major II harmony is employed. At the conclusion, the opening line of the tune is sounded one more time in the upper pedals.
It isn't very often that January 6th actually falls on a Sunday. Some churches choose to eschew the actual day of Epiphany, instead celebrating Epiphany on the Sunday closest to January 6th. When I started planning St. Paul's music for January 2012 last year, I falsely assumed that the appropriate Sunday would be celebrated as Epiphany, but it wasn't. Thankfully in 2013, January 6th falls on a Sunday.
Though we celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Eve/Day, it isn't until Epiphany when we truly come to the revelation that the infant baby is in fact the Son of God. Through the Magi visiting Jesus, it manifests itself for the remainder of the Gentiles in the world.
PRELUDE
Prélude sur l’Introit de l’Épiphanie - Maurice Duruflé
This short organ miniature by Durufle dates from the early 1960's. It was published very infrequently until Augsburg Fortress included it in the Epiphany album of the Augsburg Organ Library.
The three minute piece is based around the plainsong associated with the chant ‘Ecce advenit dominator Dominus' (Behold the Lord and Ruler Has Come). The strict adherence to the plainchant creates a large variety of mixed meter, while sounding completely natural. The tune can be heard in both the accompanying material as well as a solo trumpet throughout.
OPENING HYMN
O Morning Star, How Fair And Bright
This German chorale based on Psalm 45 is suitable throughout the season of Epiphany, as it also touches on baptism and wedding themes as well. The chorale theme associated with it was likely composed approximately 60 years before, but only came to prominence in association with this paraphrase. It is one of the few chorales where the preferred performance is the "rhythmic" version, unlike many others that have been modified to conform with 19th century styles of hymn singing.
HYMN OF THE DAY
Here I Am, Lord
Daniel Schutte composed this hymn in 1981 in response to Vatican II. One of the primary goals of Vatican II was to get the Catholic church into the vernacular using music that was accessible to all, and this hymn certainly accomplished that and has spread itself to other denominations.
As we embark on this visioning process during January, the parallels of God calling us to a task and us responding are obvious. Hopefully this call and response will continue to inspire us throughout this visioning process.
OFFERING
Precious Lord, Take My Hand - arr. Jack Schrader
Emma Rathe joins us this weekend with a continuation of the message of the Hymn of the Day. Despite being dedicated to the journey, we always need help and guidance along the path. Thomas Dorsey's African American spiritual, like many others, starts us in a dark place ("I am tired, I am weak, I am worn"), but takes us somewhere where light predominates and hope is fulfilled ("At the river I stand, guide my feet, hold my hand"). The one example present in all spirituals is that of hope for the future and the knowledge that our faith will carry us to the promised land.
COMMUNION HYMNS
Arise, Your Light Has Come (7:45 only)
Few hymn writers can express theological concepts through poetry than Ruth Duck can. A professor of worship at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Illinois, one of her missions throughout her career in ministry has been delivering the word of God with the goal that everyone understand and comprehend it.
Just as the light appeared to the Magi as they journeyed to Bethlehem, the light now appears to us as we obey the call of the spirit and shine forth our glory to God.
Bright And Glorious Is The Sky (9:00 only)
Few hymns tell the story of the Epiphany better than this wonderful Grundtvig text, with a translation by hymn writer and preacher Jens Christian Aaberg. The Danish folk tune accompanies the story beautifully and is a joy to sing. The story travels from the appearance of the star of Bethlehem (stanza two), to the Magi noticing and being called by it (stanza three). They came expecting a King, instead finding a gentle maiden and her sweet baby (stanza four). They then recognized and proclaimed the true message of Epiphany, that this child was truly the Son of God (stanza five). It concludes with a wonderful scriptural tie in, where this star shows us the way to Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
As With Gladness Men Of Old (9:00 only)
This Epiphany hymn by William Dix (who had the tune associated with it named after him) goes into more detail of of stanzas three and four of the previous hymn. Stanza four hearkens back to our Hymn of the Day and Offering as we ask for guidance along this journey we are taking the entire month of January.
CLOSING HYMN
Arise Your Light Has Come (9:00 only)
(see note above in "Communion Hymns")
POSTLUDE
How Brightly Shines The Morning Star - Mark Sedio
This postlude is both very simple and very elaborate in its delivery. The tune is unmistakable at the beginning, accompanied by an ascending figure in the pedals. Near the middle of the piece, the tonal center starts to disappear. Despite this, the tune keeps rolling... while it is nearly indistinguishable, it is always present. It closes with a very English sounding series of chords where the major II harmony is employed. At the conclusion, the opening line of the tune is sounded one more time in the upper pedals.
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