Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Sunday, February 2, 2014


How does music 'color' our worship today?  I use the word 'color' as a way to recognize that music adds a new dimension to our experience, in a way that is symbolic or associative.   Almost all would agree that music has an emotive dimension - that is, that it is expressive of a feeling, or even manipulative in producing a feeling.  But music that is Gospel oriented, or carries the Word, is more than simply emotive.  And thus, I ask this question:  How does music 'color' our worship today?  Or how does music reveal something new about the Gospel we encounter in worship?

Olivier Messiaen is a great composer to consider when entertaining the notion of 'color.' In a literal way, it is helpful to know that he saw certain color patterns visually when hearing certain musical patterns.  In a more abstract way, he was very interested in how his music could be exegetical, or in other words, a vehicle for carrying and expressing a biblical message.  His composition Le Banquet celeste, composed in 1928, is prefaced by the text from John's Gospel "He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in Him" (John 6:56).  The music is a contemplative and quiet meditation on the mystery of the Eucharist, selected to highlight the celebration this morning with the second-grade children of First Communion. Listen how the slow-moving chords and the 'tear-drop' melody transport us to a place of calm and mystery.  The Word is being 'colored.'

Other hymns this morning emphasize the Eucharist theme.  In terms of 'color,' think about how the energy of the Welsh folk tune THE ASH GROVE combines with the compelling text of "Sent Forth by God's Blessing" (ELW 547).  The text emphasizes how the nourishment we receive in Holy Communion prepares us, and "incites us" to be sent forth from our worship to "work for your kingdom and answer your call."

Last note for the morning:  We continue to encounter some of the music from ELW Setting Six in our liturgy.  Today, I will play the "Lamb of God" setting on the piano, as a way to familiarize our gathering with this new music.  This setting presents an African American gospel style of music.  One of the characteristics about this style that I've learned is to not play too fast - think about how the tempo of the piece 'colors' your impression about the text.  My personal image is of a certain richness, or depth to the expression.