Music Notes for Jan. 17

Our two preludes, composed by Heinrich Bach and J. S. Bach respectively, are both based on the German Chorale, Christ ist Erstanden (Christ is Risen.) Seemingly not particular to the current season after Epiphany, the resurrection theme is particularly suitable for any Sunday, a day of Resurrection, even in Lent! Other than its glorious theme of our hope of eternal life, composers are often drawn to paint their picture of resurrection from personal experiences of tragedy

J. S. Bach became an orphan at age ten. Bach lost a brother and a sister in early childhood, and his mother died when he was only nine years old. His father died nine months later in February 1695.

Our offertory anthem is Herbert Howells’ serene setting of Psalm 122, O Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. In 1935 Howells suffered a personal tragedy through the sudden death of his nine-year-old son, Michael. For many months Howells felt unable to compose but the following year he began work on what was to become his masterpiece, 'Hymnus Paradisi,” completed in 1938 in memory of Michael.

These tragic events are not uncommon and many of us have suffered similarly. But sacred artists transform the darkness of tragedy into light. The hope of resurrection is the journey that begins with Christmas and takes us from darkness to light. With the help of the church’s great music, our journey is illuminated and our spirits uplifted. Music leads a path to understanding God. Sacred music is Theology!

Please join us for our next Friends of Music concert on Sunday, January 31 at 4:00 pm. The West Liberty University Choirs led by Dr. Scott Glysson will present a concert of choral singing in our beautiful sanctuary. The program will include Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living as well pieces by American Composers. The concert will be around an hour. Please join us for an evening of exquisite choral music from our West Virginia neighbors!

Suggested Donation at the door: $10

Douglas Starr, Director of Music and Arts