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“By any measure, hymns have been among the most faithful servants of the church for many years.” by Pastor Bruce Benson, host Grand Music Gracious Word Sing For Joy® is a production of St. Olaf College. E very September the little town of Northfield, Minnesota – home of Malt- O-Meal cereals, Carleton College, St. Olaf College, and Sing for Joy – hosts a popular fair to celebrate the defeat of Jesse James. Yes, that Jesse James; the real one. There are a number of people in this country who have never heard of Malt-O-Meal or either of Northfield’s colleges, but who know very well that Northfield is the town made famous by Jesse James’ foiled attempt to rob the bank. That story has inspired books, movies, and lots of well-told tales. The fair in Northfield is called “Defeat of Jesse James Days.” The four-day event, just finished as you read these words, includes multiple dramatic horse and rider reenactments of the James and Younger gang’s raid on the bank, carnival rides, craft fairs, a rodeo, corn-dog booths, and a long colorful parade to finish the weekend. But the fair’s full schedule each year begins in a quiet, lovely way. A memorial service is held in the local cemetery to honor the bank teller who refused to open the safe that infamous day in 1876. He was shot and killed standing duty at his post. If you were going to compose a big, dramatic piece of music about the bank raid—say an operetta or a rousing no-holds-barred work for band—you’d most likely focus on Jesse James and his gang, and probably the gun battle that ensued in the street outside the bank. You’d pay only scant attention to a lowly bank employee lying mortally wounded on the floor. On the other hand, if you were going to write a hymn, Joseph Lee Heywood, that faithful bank cashier, would be just the sort of character to inspire you. Hymns, like Heywood, tend to be modest, and they seldom get their due. Most weeks, you hear at least one hymn, usually more, on the Sing For Joy broadcast. Without getting caught up here in any sort of my-favorite- music-is-better-than-your-favorite, I think it is appropriate to do with hymns what the town of Northfield does with Joseph Heywood: that is, take a moment now and then to remember what faithful, important service they have rendered to the community of the church. No, they are not usually featured in choral concerts or Grammy Awards. They are too humble. Even church choirs often rehearse all the worship music except the hymns. They rehearse what is often called “special music.” In other words, something other than hymns. But hymns, like Joseph Lee Heywood in Northfield, have given profound and meaningful service. Whether they have been sung at funerals or weddings, elaborate Easter services or simple evening Vespers services, good hymns have done significant good work in the minds and spirits of countless people over the centuries. Oh, you needn’t worry, we’ll still feature grand choral works on Sing For Joy, but we’ll also do what a little group of Northfield residents did in a cemetery a few days ago: we’ll pay tribute to faithfulness. By any measure, hymns have been among the most faithful servants of the church for many years. They, in their own way, are also special music. Peace be with you, OCTOBER 2013 / YEAR C
Transcript of Grand Music Gracious Word - stolaf.edu · Grand Music Gracious Word ... Make Me a Channel of Your...
“By any measure, hymns have been among the most faithful servants of the church for many years.”
by Pastor Bruce Benson, host
Grand Music
Gracious Word
Sing For Joy® is a production of St. Olaf College.
Every September the little town of Northfi eld, Minnesota – home of Malt-
O-Meal cereals, Carleton College, St. Olaf College, and Sing for Joy – hosts a popular fair to celebrate the defeat of Jesse James. Yes, that Jesse James; the real one. There are a number of people in this country who have never heard of Malt-O-Meal or either of Northfi eld’s colleges, but who know very well that Northfi eld is the town made famous by Jesse James’ foiled attempt to rob the bank. That story has inspired books, movies, and lots of well-told tales. The fair in Northfi eld is called “Defeat of Jesse James Days.” The four-day event, just fi nished as you read these words, includes multiple dramatic horse and rider reenactments of the James and Younger gang’s raid on the bank, carnival rides, craft fairs, a rodeo, corn-dog booths, and a long colorful parade to fi nish the weekend. But the fair’s full schedule each year begins in a quiet, lovely way. A memorial service is held in the local cemetery to honor the bank teller who refused to open the safe that infamous day in 1876. He was shot and killed standing duty at his post.
If you were going to compose a big, dramatic piece of music about the bank raid—say an operetta or a rousing no-holds-barred work for band—you’d most likely focus on Jesse James and his gang, and probably the gun battle that ensued in the street outside the bank. You’d pay only scant attention to a lowly bank employee lying mortally wounded on the fl oor. On the other hand, if you were going to write a hymn, Joseph Lee Heywood, that faithful bank cashier, would be just the sort of character to inspire you. Hymns, like Heywood, tend to be modest, and they seldom get their due.
Most weeks, you hear at least one hymn, usually more, on the Sing For Joy broadcast. Without getting caught up here in any sort of my-favorite-music-is-better-than-your-favorite, I think it is appropriate to do with hymns what the town of Northfi eld does with Joseph Heywood: that is, take a moment now and then to remember what faithful, important service they have rendered to the community of the church. No, they are not usually featured in choral concerts or Grammy Awards. They are too humble. Even church choirs often rehearse all the worship music except the hymns. They rehearse what is often called “special music.” In other words, something other than hymns.
But hymns, like Joseph Lee Heywood in Northfi eld, have given profound and meaningful service. Whether they have been sung at funerals or weddings, elaborate Easter services or simple evening Vespers services, good hymns have done signifi cant good work in the minds and spirits of countless people over the centuries. Oh, you needn’t worry, we’ll still feature grand choral works on Sing For Joy, but we’ll also do what a little group of Northfi eld residents did in a cemetery a few days ago: we’ll pay tribute to faithfulness. By any measure, hymns have been among the most faithful servants of the church for many years. They, in their own way, are also special music.
Peace be with you,
OCTOBER 2013 / YEAR C
October 6, 2013Time after Pentecost — Lectionary 27, Year C
(1R) Habakkuk 1:1–4; 2:1–4(PS) Psalm 37:1–9(2R) 2 Timothy 1:1–14(G) Luke 17:5–10(SF) Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Oct 4)
In Thee Is Gladness (IN DIR IST FREUDE) – Giovanni Giacomo Gastoldi, arr. Daniel Kallman (G)The St. Olaf Cantorei / John Ferguson(CD) Songs of Grateful Praise / ST. OLAF RECORDS / E-2880© 2006 St. Olaf Records stolafrecords.com
Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel? – African American Spiritual, arr. James Miller (1R)Alexandra Ivanoff, soprano; Musicians of Melodious Accord: New York, N.Y. / Alice Parker(CD) Spiritual Songs / MUSICAL HERITAGE SOCIETY / MHS 512412K© 1989 Musical Heritage Society
“All They That See Him” and “He Trusted in God” from Messiah – George Frideric Handel (1R)John Aler, tenor; The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir; The Toronto Symphony: Toronto, Canada / Andrew Davis(CD) Handel: Messiah / EMI CLASSICS / CDCB 549027© 1987 EMI Classics emiclassics.com
This is My Father’s World (TERRA BEATA) – English Traditional, adapt. Stanley Oliver (1R, SF)The Choir of Yorkminster Park Baptist Church: Toronto, Canada / Catherine M. Palmer(CD) The Joy of God / MARQUIS CLASSICS / ERAD 175© 1996 Marquis Classics marquisclassics.com
Make Me a Channel of Your Peace – Sebastian Temple, arr. Martin Neary (SF)Westminster Abbey Choir / Martin Neary(CD) Favourite Hymns / GRIFFIN / GCCD 4018© 1997 Griffi n Records, Griffi n & Co Limited griffi nrecords.co.uk
All Creatures of Our God and King (LASST UNS ERFREUEN) – Geistliche Kirchengesange, arr. John Ferguson (SF)The St. Olaf Cantorei / John Ferguson(CD) Songs of Grateful Praise / ST. OLAF RECORDS / E-2880© 2006 St. Olaf Records stolafrecords.com
All creatures of our God and King,lift up your voice with us and sing:
alleluia, alleluia!
October 13, 2013Time after Pentecost — Lectionary 28, Year C
(1R) 2 Kings 51–3, 7–15c(PS) Psalm 111(2R) 2 Timothy 2:8–15(G) Luke 17:11–19
I Thank You God – Elliot Z. Levine (PS, G)St. Olaf Cantorei / James Bobb(CD) Sing For Joy Archival Recording / Not For Resale© 2013 St. Olaf College stolaf.edu
I Thank You God – Eric Whitacre (PS, G)Conspirare: Austin, Texas / Craig Hella Johnson(CD) Requiem / HARMONIA MUNDI / HMI 807518© 2009 Harmonia Mundi USA harmoniamundi.com
“Kyrie” from Mass No 2, D. 167 – Franz Schubert (G)Dawn Upshaw, soprano; The Atlanta Symphony Chamber Chorus: Atlanta, Ga. / Robert Shaw(CD) Mass No. 2 & Mass No. 6 / TELARC / CD-80212© 1990 Telarc International Corporation telarc.com
All People That on Earth Do Dwell (THE OLD HUNDREDTH) – Louis Bourgeois, arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams (G)The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge / Stephen Cleobury(CD) Best Loved Hymns / EMI CLASSICS / 7243 5 57026 2 3© 2001 EMI Classics emiclassics.com
hymn-singing has done more than perhaps any one other thing—including sermons—to keep faith, hope, and love
alive and well also.-Pastor Bruce Benson
October 20, 2013Time after Pentecost — Lectionary 29, Year C
(1R) Genesis 32:22–31(PS) Psalm 121(2R) 2 Timothy 3:14–4:5(G) Luke 18:1–8
Standin’ in the Need of Prayer – African American Spiritual, arr. Daniel Kallman (G)Eastern Mennonite High School Chamber Choir: Harrisonburg, Va. / Jay E. Hartzler(CD) Praise His Holy Name / EASTERN MENONITE HIGH SCHOOL / EMHS0003© 2000 Eastern Mennonite High School emhs.net
Come, Ye Disconsolate (CONSOLATOR) – Samuel Webbe, arr. Terre Johnson (G)St. Olaf Choir / Anton Armstrong(CD) Great Hymns of Faith: Volume III / ST. OLAF RECORDS / E-3386© 2011 St. Olaf Records stolafrecords.com
Hear My Prayer (Excerpt) – Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (G)Gavin Moralee, treble; The Rosebery Chorus / William McVicker(CD) Hear My Prayer / IMP CLASSICS / PCD 1047© 1993 Innovative Music Productions Ltd., Pickwick Group, Ltd., England
Word of God, Come Down on Earth (MT. ST. ALBAN NCA) – Richard Wayne Dirksen (2R)Cathedral Choral Society: Washington, D.C. / J. Reilly Lewis(CD) Hymns Through the Centuries / GOTHIC RECORDS / G 49112© 1996 Gothic Records gothicrecords.com
Psalm 121 – Henry Walford Davies (PS)Winchester Cathedral Choir / David Hill(CD) Hymns and Psalms from Winchester / HERALD / HAVPCD 185© 1995 Herald AV Publications heraldav.co.uk
Psalm 121 – Philip Stopford (PS)The Ecclesium Choir: Belfast, Northern Ireland / Philip Stopford(CD) Creation / PRIORY RECORDS / PRCD 891© 2007 Priory Records, Ltd. priory.org.uk
“Lift Thine Eyes” from Elijah, Op. 70 – Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (PS)The St. Olaf Manitou Singers / Sigrid Johnson(CD) Repertoire for Women’s Voices: Vol. 1 / ST. OLAF RECORDS / E-2398© 2001 St. Olaf Records stolafrecords.com
Great hymns are great because of their enduring power to stir the human spirit. An old hymn can
suddenly sound new, and those singing it feel renewed. -Pastor Bruce Benson
October 27, 2013Time after Pentecost — Lectionary 30, Year C
(1R) Jeremiah 14:7–10, 19–22(PS) Psalm 84:1–7(2R) 2 Timothy 4:6–8, 16–18(G) Luke 18:9–14(R) Reformation Sunday
“God’s Word is our Great Heritage” from Cantata 80: Ein Feste Burg, BWV 80 – Johann Sebastian Bach (R)Massed Choirs of St. Olaf College & The St. Olaf Orchestra / Anton Armstrong(CD) Rejoice, Give Thanks, and Sing / ST. OLAF RECORDS / E-3404-05© 2011 St. Olaf Records stolafrecords.com
King Jesus Is A-Listenin’ – African American Spiritual, arr. William L. Dawson (G)Cantus: Minneapolis, Minn.(CD) Deep River / CANTUS RECORDINGS / CTS-1203© 2003 Cantus Recordings cantussings.org
O How Amiable Are Thy Dwellings – Jeffrey Smith (PS)The Girls’ Choir of Christ Church Cathedral: Lexington, Ky. / John Cummins(CD) Our Hearts Desire / PRO ORGAN / CD 7056© 1999 Zarex Corporation zarex.com
“Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen” (How Lovely are Thy Dwellings) from Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem, Op. 45) – Johannes Brahms (PS)Atlanta Symphony Chorus & Orchestra: Atlanta, Ga. / Robert Shaw(CD) Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem / TELARC / CD-80092© 1984 Telarc International Corporation telarc.com
O How Amiable – Ralph Vaughan Williams (PS)The Westminster Choir: Princeton, N.J. / Joseph Flummerfelt(CD) Favorite Hymns and Anthems / GOTHIC / G 49044© 1990 Gothic Records, Inc. gothicrecords.com
LISTENERS’ CORNER
Thanks to our generous listeners who fuel us with gifts and praise. Your contributions and kind
words are a blessing.
“It is diffi cult sometimes to fi nd faith that meets everyone’s needs. Thanks for the lovely opportunity
to have this beautiful music Sunday mornings.”-Anonymous
“Thank you so much for your inspirational monthly newsletter. It inspires church choir members to sing
with understanding and to build community.”-Loveland, Ohio
“A Sunday Morning Tradition worth starting.”-on Facebook
NEWS
We’re happy to announce that Sing For Joy has been picked up by WUMM out of Machias, Maine!
Friends in the Machias Bay Area, tune in to 91.7 FM Sundays at 8am.
Join in the Sing For Joy conversation on Facebook and Twitter (@SingForJoyRadio) and
stream the show online at singforjoy.org.
Sing For JoySt. Olaf College1520 St. Olaf AvenueNorthfi eld, mn 55057
Non-profi t Org.U.S. PostagePAIDSt. Olaf College
Website: singforjoy.org Email: [email protected]: 507-786-8596
Sing For Joy staff :
W. Bruce Benson Host
John Ferguson Music Adviser
Jeffrey O’Donnell Producer and Music Director
Joshua Wyatt Associate Producer
Carolyn Pierson Communications Coordinator
Address Service Requested
Sing For Joy® is a production of St. Olaf College.
Sukup Manufacturing Co.641-892-4222
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St. Olaf College507-786-8596
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and faithful listeners like you.
Sing For Joy® is sponsored by:
Visit singforjoy.org to fi nd out where you can hear Sing For Joy in your area. You can also listen to complete
programs online.OCTOBER 2013 / YEAR C
Thank you for your gifts!
In Honor Of:Bob Nelson on his 86th birthday
Dr. Robert Schaller, for his work with pacemaker surgery
Jennifer Koenig
Lorna Braught, church organist at First United Methodist Church
In Memory Of:Ange & Gladys Cavallini
Darryl Patten
John Lauthen
Julius & Helen Kittler
Karla Lind
Maureen Harrington Delamar
Sara Kirkeberg Raugland
