MTC Week #44 - Chords That Speak for Themselves

Back when I was in the BYU Concert Choir ('93 - '97), there were times when we'd be singing a piece of music and a particular chord combination would seem to match exactly what I was feeling. It was as if the very emotions or combination of emotions was "assigned" to those notes. I'm not sure how else to describe it. I remember one time in particular when I was at a rather low point in my life--frustrated with this thing and that thing--not knowing if God cared too much about my circumstances or not. It was then that during a rehearsal, we sang a combination of eight notes, somewhat minor and dissonant, and tears sprang to my eyes because it matched exactly what my soul was feeling. It wasn't the words--it was the notes themselves. I knew then that God did care and He was speaking through the notes to my heart.

I suppose that this phenomenon occurs in varying degrees with any fine, soul-stirring music. It can manifest itself with a general feeling one gets from hearing such music or it can be isolated to certain notes and chords. This happened today while we were singing Psalm 148 by Gustav Holst. What a beautiful choral or orchestral arrangement! It's heavenly. Other worldly. It's full of praise and

Gustav Holst

love and pure light. Walking up to the choir seats today, a choir member, Devin, commented that he had been so excited all week to sing this song. Indeed, I think many of us felt that way. One of the note combinations that caused a feeling of heaven coming down to envelop earth was at the very end. The choir and orchestra held out these notes--everyone putting their whole heart into them--and then Bro. Wilberg gave us the signal to cutoff. And what was left was a reverberation of heavenly sound that echoed through the Tabernacle. Perfect.

Until next time, God be with you!


PS: For all of those who weren't selected to get tickets for the upcoming Christmas Concert, I'm really sorry. The Choir is going to be singing several Christmas selections on the weekly broadcast and you are always welcome to come on Sunday morning to hear those. Also, you are welcome to come hear us rehearse for the Christmas Concert during the Thursday nights leading up to the event. I leave you with a poster one of our choir members made (Preston Tenney) which I thought was definitely worth posting for all to see. Great work!