We here in the Music Department are still a bit shaken from the sudden loss of our dear, dear Ruth Taylor; and so this morning’s selections reflect a certain emotional reality:

-clinging to our Christian belief in the hereafter whilst coping with the
significant sadness of such a loss…

First up, from Messiah, the soprano solo that follows the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus and begins ‘Part the Third,’ a quietly dancing, ‘heads-up’ song of certainty. Notice the conversation between the vocal line and the right hand of the piano [the part for unison violins…], a dialogue that never rests.

William Appling’s simple and clear setting of the traditional Spiritual, ‘We Shall Walk,’ stays well out of the way of the words… Appling is active in the New York area, conducting a group of singers and players that bears his name.

Peter Hurford, OBE, is one of a handful of truly world-famous British organists. Based for many years at St. Alban’s Cathedral, Peter’s setting of the touching Herrick poem is a marvel of simplicity. In strophic form [identical musical verses with different words, or ‘strophes’ for each – like a hymn], this is a tune that will stick with you for days and days. We offer it this morning in loving memory of Ruth.

And finally, we get to perhaps the most-frequently-used choral benediction of them all. Affectionately referred to as ‘the Lutkin,’ it’s also a great piece of writing. The ‘homophonic’ opening [everyone singing the words in the same rhythm, in block chords] gives way to a perfectly arched ‘polyphonic’ [everyone singing the words at different times, following imitative, overlapping melodies] Amen. The Christian family will be singing this one for centuries….

-Keith Weber