Te Deum at Kramer Chapel

While reviewing some discussion threads over at Wittenberg Trail, a comment by Susan reminded me of my first experience singing Stephen Starke’s paraphrase of the Te Deum – “We Praise You and Acknowledge You, O God” (LSB 941). Susan wrote, “Go to Kramer Chapel and hear those men singing Starke’s Te Deum. When you can breathe again, you’ll want to sing it to.”
"Favorite" Hymns
Why would a Lutheran want to sing “In the Garden” or “I Love to Tell the Story“?
Difficult Hymns That Are Not Difficult
Difficult hymns don’t have to remain difficult. By a careful and deliberate plan, difficult hymns can become beloved and familiar.
Singing the Faith – Living the Lutheran Musical Heritage

When I was back at Concordia Theological Seminary this last summer for an Organist Workshop, Kantor Richard Resch mentioned that the Good Shepherd Institute was working on a DVD with teaching guide that explores our rich Lutheran musical heritage. I could tell Kantor Resch was excited and passionate about this project.
Singing Difficult Hymns

It is unfortunate that many of Luther’s hymns and other Lutheran chorales have fallen out of use in the typical Lutheran congregation. I have been told more than once that those old chorales are difficult to sing. My response: These hymns have to be taught to be appreciated. Otherwise we get in an endless circle of: we don’t sing those hymns because they are unknown/difficult and they are unknown and seem difficult because we never sing them.
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