March 23, 2014
- A devotional approach to today’s Introit
Today the BREATHE! Bells will play Ah, Holy Jesus as the Introit. The Presbyterian Hymnal Companion suggests that the composer of this hymn tune , Johann Crüger, “may have been influenced by the Genevan Psalter setting of Psalm 23 while composing this tune while composing it for the Augsburg confessions in 1640.”
Utilizing psalm 23, one can find many musical elements within the introit that relate to the truths of the scriptural text (I encourage you to listen for these):
- Whole note ostinato on every measure in the upper notes : Jesus’ care for us is constant and always (Psalm 23:1)
- The instrumentation of the chimes: Jesus restores our soul. (Psalm 23:3)
- Step-wise motion within the theme: Jesus guides our paths (Psalm 23:3)
- Open fifth intervals: Righteousness echoes His name (Psalm 23:4)
- Points of dissonance: Jesus is with us throughout the dark times (Psalm 23:4)
-‘til Sunday-Robert Morehead
Other music selections:
Gathering Music: Christus, der uns selig macht (BWV 620) J.S. Bach
In dich hab ich gehoffet, Herr (BWV 640)
Vater unser im Himmelreich (BWV 636)
Hymn Of Praise: Kum ba Yah (#338)
Act of Praise: Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee (Hager/Beethoven)
Children’s Song: God’s Love and Guidance
Hymn of Response: Lord of Light, Your Name Outshining (#425)
Offertory: Our Father, Lord Of Heaven and Earth (J.S. Bach)
Hymn of Dedication: Lead On, O King Eternal (#448+ #447)
Postlude: Allabreve (BWV 589) (J.S. Bach)