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Kyle's Music Notes
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As we progress through Lent, it is worth recalling that the organ plays a limited role in services. It has been a longstanding Church tradition to reduce the use of musical instruments during Lent and especially during Holy Week. Accordingly, here at Christ Church, during Lent, postludes are omitted, and the preludes are of a meditative character. Also, there are no organ improvisations following the reading of the Gospel or at any other point during services. After Maundy Thursday, the organ is not played again until Easter Day, when it is heard in all of its fullness. On Easter, the music will be supplemented by a brass quartet and timpani. The addition of these wonderful instruments will help us express, with the utmost exuberance, Christ’s resurrection. The choir will also sing an unaccompanied Mass setting by Hans Leo Hassler and an anthem by Edward Bairstow.
Beginning in January, we instituted some changes in the organization of our Junior Choir. The choir now meets immediately following each Sunday’s 10 a. m. service, at the back of the church. We rehearse for approximately thirty minutes, focusing on music fundamentals, such as reading music, sight-reading music, and voice production. This will enable each chorister to have a more thorough understanding of the music they learn. As a result, the choir will sing less frequently but, in turn, hopefully have a more profound appreciation of music in general. I encourage all youth to think about joining this choir.
Please mark two special dates on your calendars. The first is an evensong service, sung by both our Junior and Adult Choirs, at the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin in New York City (145 West 46th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues). This service begins at 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 27. All are invited. St. Mary’s is a marvelous acoustical space, and its services are quite elaborate and beautiful. The second service, involving the same forces and music, will be repeated at Christ Church on Sunday, May 4, at 5 p. m. These are sure to be inspiring services. Please plan to attend one or both!
Finally, we welcome a new member to our choir. Vaughn Fritts, our new bass section leader, began singing with us a few weeks ago. Please welcome him (and his wonderful, resonant bass voice) to Christ Church.
All best wishes for a prayerful Lent,
Kyle
1 March 2008
