Reflections on a Christmas Chorale
Some of us are fortunate to live close to a college or university that provides opportunities to hear some good sacred music. This Saturday evening I attended Concordia University’s (in Portland, OR) Christmas Chorale – A Service of Lessons and Carols.
One thing I appreciated about this service was that it was a worship service – not solely a concert. The choral, handbell, and wind ensemble pieces fit into and reflected on the lessons that were read. I think that’s a lesson the music folk in congregations need to remember – how does this relate to the service? We shouldn’t be choosing music just because it’s “fun” or sounds good.
Much like a traditional worship service, the music and texts spanned the centuries and different cultural backgrounds. That is truly one of the blessings of sacred music — it is not limited to a certain time or place. As time passes, certain pieces are carried forward as others are left aside. Hopefully, the church becomes stronger as a result.
My favorite pieces of the evening were F. Melius Christiansen’s setting of Wake, Awake, for the Night is Flying and Paul Manz’s E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come. If you haven’t heard the Manz piece, take a few minutes to listen (and watch).
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