Thursday, December 16, 2010

The beat goes on...

Today the String Ensemble from Pittsfield High School played 30 minutes of meditative music in our Sanctuary over the noon hour - it was so sweet. In addition to selections from "The Nutcracker." they also included string versions of Vince Guaraldi's "Linus and Lucy" and other highlights from "It's a Charlie Brown, Christmas."

Given my spiritual monkey-mind, today's music set me to thinking about ALL the different songs music this old hall will host during this week alone:

+ Yesterday we practiced Sarah McLachlan's ethereal take on "Bring on the Wonder" which we'll do in worship on Sunday. Today it was Tchaikovsky and Guaraldi and tonight it will be 15th century Latin chant.

+ Then on Sunday, in addition to the Christmas carols, we'll have the Music Ambassadors bringing jazz and gospel into the celebration - everything from Dave Brubeck to Sonny Rollins and Odetta - with the choir bringing an "Ave Maria," too.

How did those prophets of old put it...?

3 comments:

Philomena Ewing said...

That is the beauty of music : like poetry, it can bypass the rational analytic mind although purists will sup from a different cup here !
As long as it moves people on an emotional level any style is sacred.
I love most of what you select here, some is profoundly affecting. All is good !!
All Blessings to you as we move towards the end of Advent and thank you so much for your inspiration. Merry Christmas too !

RJ said...

It is so good to hear from you, my friend. Your words, music and inspiration are sweet to me and I give thanks to God for your work. Blessings right back at you and Merry Christmas, too!

Black Pete said...

Amen to all the foregoing!

WHEN LOVE COMES TO TOWN

U2 mixed the blues and the gospel - rock and roll and B. B. King - to create the best blend of faith and testimony in contemporary music. This blog is a summary of my weekly meditations at church - my stories of faith, hope and love. I hope to mix culture, art and biblical stories with the best of the progressive Christian tradition to express my take on God's love coming to town in the 21st century.