So as mentioned before, new members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir are not officially members of that Choir until they graduate from both Choir SCHOOL, and from the Temple Square Chorale. There are still a few weeks left
in Choir School and we'll actually have a final "exam" which will consist of singing in small groups before Bro. Wilberg and Bro. Murphy (incorporating all of the things we've learned these past several months) and taking a written exam covering everything from music theory we've learned about, to all of the singing habits we've covered. That happens in a few weeks. Regarding the Chorale however, our graduating concert occurred this past weekend on Friday and Saturday evening. Tuesday thru Thursday were spent in various preparations for that concert. Add to that the fact that we sang on Music and the Spoken Word this morning, and you get one very long long week at the Tabernacle!
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| My wife and I after the concert |
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| My kids (minus my youngest) at the Concert |
That said, it was both a rewarding week and an exciting one as we got to see the fruits of our many hours of rehearsals since January. As we combined our singing with the magnificent orchestra it was a very rich and emotional experience.
On Friday, I had sent out an email to those who I knew were coming to the concert explaining the three pieces we were performing. I thought this was important music always means so much more if you have some understanding and context. As I've spent over 40 hours rehearsing this music which culminated in this concert, I think it only fitting to end with my thoughts on what the music meant to me. So here's a copy of that email (with the tense changed):
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Starting with the middle piece we sang: Dona Nobis Pacem by Vaughn Williams. These words actually mean "Give us peace." This piece contains six movements:
The first simply repeats the Agnus Dei, Dona Nobis Pacem phrase several times. It sets the stage for the contrast about to come in the other movements. I thinks of a people who are preparing for conflict and who are praying in their hearts for God to give them peace. They want to be strengthened for the challenges they are about to face.
The second movement is where the war and conflict commences. The text describes the drums and bugles of war bursting through doors and windows, disrupting the peaceful lives of church congregations, scholars, bridal couples, and other civilians.
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| Vaughan Williams |
The third laments why there has to be war in the first place because of the destruction and death it causes. It hints at a time when we won't have to worry about that any more. It also speaks of the reality that even enemies are human beings and all mankind should be respected not because of their deeds or thoughts or beliefs, but because we're all brothers and sisters.
The fourth is a funeral procession "march". It speaks of a father and son, killed in the war, and being laid to rest. Even though it's a somber movement, the music hits at the importance of hope.
The fifth takes some text from the Book of Jeremiah and talks of the possibility of more conflict coming. There's anxiety, there's uncertainty, but hope remains.
The sixth is a beautiful ending that talks of everything being made right again, where there's no more war and love abounds. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will towards men."
It's easy to relate all of this to each of us, from a spiritual perspective. We fight wars each day--and there are high and low moments. But amidst it all, we plead for peace and look forward to the day of Christ's coming when not only the world catastrophes, conflicts, and wars will cease, but our personal struggles will be overshadowed by the love and peace with which Christ will reign.
The first piece that starts the concert (after the orchestra is finished) is Requiem Aeternam by Brother Wilberg. It sets the stage for Dona Nobis, and means "Grant them eternal rest, O
Lord."
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| Rich Adams |
The last piece is my personal favorite of the three. Let Peace Then Still the Strife, also by Mack Wilberg. Every so often, the words of a song combine perfectly with the notes/chords, rhythm, everything.... The message of the song is one of hope for loved ones we've lost--knowing that we will see them again. I haven't lost too many people close to me yet, but aside from that topic, it's simply a song of how we should look at life: that it's precious! And our time with loved ones is precious too. Hats off to Rich who performed the solo at the beginning of the song. He just started with me in January. But he does a beautiful job.
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I want to thank all of those in the Chorale for working so hard. Ryan Murphy was very pleased and happy about our performance, and Mack Wilberg also mentioned how much he enjoyed hearing us sing.
And now on to learn all the vocal numbers of The Messiah!
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