MTC Week #113 - The Beloved & Familiar

After the exhausting week last week, it was very nice to get back to a fairly normal week. Leaving Mahler behind, we turned our attention to brushing up on some beloved and familiar pieces, as well as starting to rehearse for our upcoming Messiah concert at the end of March.

Speaking of Messiah, the CD that has been two years in the making, goes on sale this week (March 4). There's the Complete Oratorio version, or the Highlights version. You can find them HERE. In all honesty, it's an incredible recording and should you choose to purchase a copy, you won't be disappointed. Those of you who are local or somewhat local, to Salt Lake, are sure welcome to come to the concert. There's always a standby line if you weren't able to get tickets (I heard they were gone in 10 minutes). What a perfect way to usher in Easter that weekend.

So, as mentioned, the songs we sang today were all familiar, minus the "No Man is an Island" song. Here are some thoughts I had as I sang each of them:

Saints Bound for Heaven (American folk hymn; arr. Mack Wilberg): I couldn't

help but think of my BYU Concert Choir days as I sang this one. Along with relishing in those good memories, I felt excitement and enthusiasm concerning the reality of Christ and how, through Christ's atonement and resurrection, we are certainly bound for heaven if we stay the course and do good with our time on this earth.

I Am a Child of God (Mildred T. Pettit; arr. Ryan Murphy): 

From my earliest days of a child, this song has always been a favorite. I always feel a peaceful feeling when I sing it. To know I'm a child of God who loves me is a truth that my heart rejoices in. I also think of singing it to my kids when they were little as I was putting them to bed. 




 


Their Sound Is Gone Out into All Lands, from Messiah (George Frideric

Handel): 
This one isn't really familiar, but I enjoyed thinking of what a great thing it is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with people. 




 
Somewhere, from West Side Story (Leonard Bernstein; arr. Arthur Harris):

Truth be told, this song brought me back to when I played the part of Baby John in this musical, while a sophomore in high school. Striving for the ideal, learning to forgive and love, knowing there's a time and place for all things. Good messages in a great song.



No Man Is an Island (Joan Whitney and Alex Kramer; arr. Michael Davis): So I

hadn't sung this one before, but the lyrics are wonderful. I don't care so much for the tune or tempo, but click on the title link and listen/watch for yourself. The message and depictions of people are worth the 2 min and 45 seconds.


 

How Firm a Foundation (Attributed to J. Ellis; arr. Mack Wilberg): This is one of my favorite hymns. I love it. It always brings tears to my eyes, and today was no exception. "Fear not, I am with thee, oh be not dismayed. For I am thy God and will still give thee aid. I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand. Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand."

Until next time, God be with you.