GodSong. Lenten Songs of Prayer and Repentance

Transcription

1 GodSong presents Lenten Songs of Prayer and Repentance February 28, :30 p.m. Concordia Lutheran Church Manchester, CT 1

2 Themes of repentance and redemption are often found within the Psalms. Psalms of lament typically call upon God, pour out the collective woes of the people, and confess sin. At some point in the psalm, however, there is a turning; a remembering of God's faithfulness, a praising of God, an injunction to hope in God. The psalms themselves model our own spiritual path from reckoning with our failings, troubles and enemies to trusting in God's goodness and salvation. Gregorio Allegri ( ) was a singer at the Sistine Chapel for three decades until his death in For centuries after his death, the Miserere was sung yearly during Holy week and then put away until the next year. No copies were allowed, and by 1770 only three existed. The same year, a young Mozart heard the piece and later transcribed it from memory. The piece could hardly be simpler : a verse for large choir, a chant, a verse for smaller choir, more chant, and repeat. Yet, in this piece, there is truly a meeting of the simple with the sublime. Although in this era Felix Mendelssohn ( ) is known primarily as an instrumental composer, nearly a quarter of his output was choral music, much of it written for the church. Composed in 1844 for the Berlin Cathedral Choir, the Three Psalms, Op. 78 are some of Mendelssohn's finest contributions to the Lutheran liturgy. Scored for 8-part a capella chorus with various combinations of soloists, the Psalms are almost orchestral in color and texture. In these beautiful but dignified Psalm settings, Mendelssohn has crafted a form that blends elements from polyphonic Lutheran church music and German folk songs with the antiphonal, responsorial style of earlier Italian liturgical music. Psalm 43, Judge me, O God, features the antiphonal interaction of the men's and women's voices and moves rapidly from one textural style to another. Robert Starer was born in Vienna in 1924 and received his musical education at the State Academy in Vienna, the Jerusalem Conservatoire and the Juilliard School. He has taught at Juilliard and at the Graduate Center of C.U.N.Y. where he was named a Distinguished Professor in Among his many honors are two Guggenheim Fellowships. Psalms of Woe and Joy, of which we sing Psalm 6, was commissioned in 1976 by the Zamir Chorale of Boston, dedicated to the preservation of Jewish music and culture. Starer s writing uses motion away from a tonal center rather than traditional chordal progressions. The greatest dissonance occurs on the words Ki ein or in death, but finally resolves into a hope of deliverance from God. Ysaye M Barnwell (b.1947) is a New Yorker who since 1979 has sung in Washington D.C. with Sweet Honey In the Rock. She is also a speech pathologist, a Doctor of Canio-Facial Studies and has been a professor of dentistry at Howard University. She is widely saught as a music educator and master teacher and clinician in cultural performance theory and voice production. We let Dr. Barnwell s own words speak of her music during the service. Arvo Pärt was born in Paide, Estonia, in In 1944, Estonia saw the occupation of the Soviet Union, which would last for over 50 years, and would have a profound effect on his life and music. In 1976 Part invented/discovered (in Eastern Orthodox Music) what he calls "tintinnabuli" (from the Latin, little bells) : "I have discovered that it is enough when a single note is beautifully played. This one note, or a silent beat, or a moment of silence, comforts me. I work with very few elements with one voice, two voices. I build with primitive materials with the triad, with one specific tonality." The basic guiding principle behind tintinnabulation of composing two simultaneous voices as one line one voice moving stepwise from and to a central pitch, first up then down, and the other sounding the notes of the triad. Since leaving Estonia in 1980, Pärt has concentrated on setting religious texts, which have proved popular with choirs and ensembles around the world. The three-part Triodion is one of the composer's most inward, contemplative pieces, drawing heavily on early Renaissance choral style for its stark, spare harmonies. 2

3 Prelude Prélude Élégiaque Joseph Jongen Welcome Opening Hymn Out of the Depths Organ Solo Printed under ONE LICENSE Copyright Number

4 Psalm 51 : a Contemporary Paraphrase Joan Niiler O, God, where are you? I have prayed and prayed for you to send relief from my pains and sorrows and disappointments: from my transgressions. And still, I feel no relief. I have prayed for you to send healing for the errors of my life and yet they are ever before me in my heart. I stand before you and those whom I love like an innocent child, burnt beyond recognition, who pleads, It is I your beautiful child, don t you know me? And then hold a mask to my face, a mask with a picture of myself, and still they do not recognize me. And I am desolate and unloved. But you, Lord, You know me and recognize your beautiful child. Although you are justified in your sentence against me, I beg you to erase my sins from your vision and judgment and create in me the pure and joyous heart of your child again. Keep me in your presence and let your Holy Spirit fill me. I will teach sinners your ways and they will return to you with gratitude and understanding. Open my lips, Lord, and my tongue will shout your praises and my mouth will sing aloud of your deliverance. Miserere Mei Deus Gregori Allegri Psalm 51 is a prayer for cleansing and pardon attributed to David when the prophet Nathan pointed out the truth : David had taken another man s wife and then arranged for his death in battle. Miserére mei, Deus: secúndum magnam misericórdiam tuam. Et secúndum multitúdinem miseratiónum tuárum: dele iniquitátem meam. Ámplius lava me ab iniquitáte mea: et a peccáto meo munda me. Quóniam iniquitátem meam ego cognósco: et peccátum meum contra me est semper. Tibi soli peccávi, et malum coram te feci: ut justificéris in sermónibus tuis, et vincas cum judicáris. Avérte fáciem tuam a peccátis meis: et omnes iniquitátes meas dele. Cor mundum crea in me, Deus: et spíritum rectum ínnova in viscéribus meis. Ne projícias me a fácie tua: et spíritum sanctum tuum ne áuferas a me. Redde mihi lætítiam salutáris tui: et spíritu principáli confírma me. Docébo iníquos vias tuas: Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are justified in your sentence and blameless when you pass judgement. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, 4

5 et ímpii ad te converténtur. Líbera me de sangúinibus, Deus, Deus salútis meæ: et exsultábit lingua mea justítiam tuam. Dómine, lábia mea apéries: et os meum annuntiábit laudem tuam. and sinners will return to you. Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your deliverance. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. Silence Let us pray : Almighty and merciful Father, you freely forgive those who, as David of old, acknowledge and confess their sins. Give us an awareness of how far we are from your loving intention for us. Create in us pure hearts that we might be made clean and whole, and that your broken world might be restored. AMEN. Richte Mich Gott Felix Mendelssohn Psalm 43 Richte mich, Gott, und führe meine Sache wider das unheilige Volk und errette mich von den falschen und bösen Leuten. Denn du bist der Gott meiner Stärke; Warum verstössest du mich? Warum lässest du mich so traurig geh n, wenn mein Feind mich drängt? Sende dein Licht und deine Wahrheit, dass sie mich leiten zu deinem heiligen Berge, und zu deiner Wohnung. Dass ich hineingehe zum Altar Gottes, zu dem Gott, der meine Freude und Wonne ist, und dir, Gott, auf der Harfe danke, mein Gott. Was betrübst du dich, meine Seele, und bist so unruhig in mir? Harre auf Gott! Denn ich werde ihm noch danken, dass er meines Angesichts Hülfe, und mein Gott ist. Do me justice, O God, and fight my fight against a faithless people; from the deceitful and impious man rescue me. For you, O God, are my strength. Why do you keep me so far away? Why must I go about in mourning, With the enemy oppressing me? Send forth your light and your fidelity; they shall lead me on And bring me to your holy mountain, to your dwelling place. Then will I go in to the altar of God, the God of my gladness and joy; Then will I give you thanks upon the harp, my God Why are you so downcast, O my soul? And why do you sigh within me? Hope in God! Then I will again give him thanks, In the presence of my savior and my God. Silence 5

6 Let us pray : Almighty God, source of everlasting light, send forth your truth into our hearts and pour over us the brightness of your light, that our service to others might be joyful and our lives a testimony that our hope is in You. AMEN. Psalm 6: a Contemporary Paraphrase Joan Niiler O, Lord, I beg you not to be angry with me. Please don't send me illness and death. I feel doomed and hopeless O save me, Lord, and be kind to me. You have saved your people time and time again. Where are you now? Save me from this death that will turn my praising soul and heart into silence. The silence of the grave where my songs for you will not be heard. I am weary, Lord, my bones lay in a heap, aching, with nothing to give them form or action. Only pain, I am in pain to the core of my being. I send my cries to you, Lord, higher and higher and with such urgency that my throat becomes paralyzed and can utter no more. My enemies keep me in deep pain the pain of misunderstanding, blame, hatred. But you, Lord, have heard my prayer and come with a smile of loving strength to encourage me through the trials. So I may again praise you in song and with stringed instruments. And my enemies shall be put to shame. Here I am Lord. Help me. Chaneini Robert Starer Psalm 6 is a prayer for recovery from grave illness and attributed to David. Chaneini, Adonai ki umlal ani Refaeini, Adonai ki nivhalu atsamai Chaneini, Adonai. Hoshieini lemaan chasdecha. Ki ein bamavet zichrecha Bisheol mi yodeh lach? Hoshieini lemaan chasdecha Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am distressed; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are confused. Be gracious to me, O Lord, o save me and show me your kindness. For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who can give you praise? Show me your kindness. Silence Let us pray : Lord God, you love mercy and tenderness; you give life and overcome death. Be gracious to us, O God. Restore us to strength, that our lives may be songs of praise to You; through Jesus Christ, AMEN. 6

7 Reflections of Composer Ysaye M. Barnwell Would You Harbor Me? Ysaye M. Barnwell Would you harbor me? Would I harbor you? Would you harbor a Christian, a Muslim, a Jew? a heretic, convict or spy? Would you harbor a runaway woman or child, a poet, a prophet, a king? Would you harbor an exile or a refugee, a person living with AIDS? Would you harbor a Tubman, a Garrett, a Truth, a fugitive or a slave? Would you harbor a Haitian, Korean or Czech, a lesbian or a gay? Would you harbor me? Would I harbor you? Prayer of the Faithful Holy Spirit, send from heaven a spark of Your radiant heart. Mother of the poor, bestowing gifts on those in need, Come, Source of Life, within our hearts. Deepest source of consolation, dwelling in our souls, You give pilgrims their repose. To the toiling You give rest; You cool the burning heat and comfort those in tears. O most joyful like a Bride, fill the secret hearts of those who trust in You. Without the presence of Your Godhead, Nothing lies in us free from harm. Wash what is soiled, Water what is dry, Heal what is wounded. Bend what is rigid, Warm what is cold, Find what is lost. Grant to those who believe and trust in You The sacred gifts and fruits of love. Grant us the reward of Your work in us. Consummate our lives in peace, And grant us joy forever. Alleluia! What do we want to do about the alleluia? Byzantine liturgy from Swallow s Nest: A Feminine Reading of the Psalms,

8 Triodion Ode I O Jesus, the Son of God Arvo Pärt Prayers from the Byzantine liturgy We do homage to Thy pure image, O Good One, entreating forgiveness of our transgressions, O Christ our God: for of Thine own good will Thou wast graciously pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, that Thou mightest deliver from bondage to the enemy those whom Thou hadst fashioned. For which cause we cry aloud unto Thee with thanksgiving: With joy hast Thou filled all things, O our Saviour, in that Thou dist come to save the world. O Jesus the Son of God, have mercy upon us. Benediction O Lord, in your loving mercy Be with us as we go out into the world. Send us your light to guide our ways So that we may show your love to all. AMEN. Closing Hymn O Christ, You are the Light of Day Postlude Christe, der du bist Tag und Licht Georg Böhm 8

9 Please join us in Kaiser Hall for a reception. You may exit the sanctuary through the door in the front of the church to your left. GodSong would like to thank the clergy and staff of Concordia Lutheran Church for their generous use of their facility. Participating in the Service Officiant Organist The Rev. JoAnn Post, Concordia Lutheran, Manchester Natatsha Ulyanovsky, Music Director, St. Bridget s West Hartford, Organist, Beth Israel Please Join us for: The Vigil of Pentecost with Bach Cantatas Saturday, May 26 th, 7:30 p.m. Emanuel Lutheran church, Manchester, CT GodSong is an ecumenical choir which sings sacred music in the context of worship. To learn more about GodSong, visit out website at If you are interested in auditioning to sing with GodSong, contact Jonathan Reuning-Scherer at or jdrs@aya.yale.edu. The offering this evening helps to defray the costs of GodSong events publicity, music, instrumentalists. We are a non-profit volunteer organization. Thank you for your support! 9

10 GodSong Jonathan Reuning-Scherer, Artistic Director Martha Klein Larsen, Administrative Director Soprano I Debbie Bowin Gayle Campbell Laurel LaPorte-Grimes Joan Niiler Julie Reuning-Scherer Valerie Huestis* Bass Douglas Blake* Don Camper David Halmers Rod Johnson Dale Peifer Stephen Sledesky Alto Marge Andersen* Martha Annand Pat Bourret Sirkka Johnson Martha Klein Larsen Debbie Peifer Eleanor Tunney Erika Wood Tenor Peter Baron-Krieger* Douglas Johnson * denotes section leader Database Guru and Computer Master : Rod Johnson Poster Design: Maris Wimberly Web Master : Austin Wimberly Reception Hostess : Eleanor Tunney Press Release: Julie Reuning-Scherer Bulletin Formatting: Nancy Gutreich Accompanists: Joan Niiler, Kate Moser The following faith communities are represented among the members of GodSong: Christ Church Cathedral, Springfield, MA Concordia Lutheran Church, Manchester, CT Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Willimantic, CT Emanuel Lutheran Church, Manchester, CT North United Methodist Church, Manchester, CT St. Bridget Catholic Church, Manchester, CT St. James Catholic Church, Manchester, CT St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Glastonbury, CT St. Mary Margaret's Catholic Church, South Windsor, CT St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Manchester, CT The Salvation Army, Springfield, MA 10