Good Shepherd Lutheran Church proudly

releases our first CD ever!

 

For the first time in Good Shepherd's history, the music department has released a musical CD entitled Inspirational Anthems.  The CD features Scott Ailing and Jennifer Quinones performing some of the most beloved anthems in our rich sacred tradition's history, such as  Malotte's  The Lord's Prayer, and Gounod's Ave Maria, as well some newer treasures from the 20th and 21st centuries, such as The Crucifixion by Samuel Barber and Herbert Howells's Psalm 23.  The CD was recorded at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. CD's cost $20.

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Song History and Lyrics

The Lord’s Prayer by Albert Hay Malotte

According to Wikipedia “On Easter Sunday 2007, it was estimated that 2 billion Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox Christians read, recited, or sang this sacred prayer, in hundreds of languages around the world”.  This prayer, first offered by Jesus to his father in his original tongue, Aramaic, gives all Christians a sense of solidarity in the knowledge that they are praying together and that these words unite us as Christians.  This musical setting by American Composer, Albert Hay Malotte is the most beloved musical version of that prayer.

Lyrics

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come,

thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.  Amen

There Is a Time by Craig Courtney

This sacred text adapted from Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8,  addresses the human condition of triumph and loss, and is poignantly reflected in this solo by Craig Courtney.  The music rises up and descends down in an ever increasing climax, only to soften down to a whisper at the end of the piece. 

Lyrics

There is a time, there is a season for every purpose under heaven

A time to be born, a time to die, a time to plant, a time to reap,

A time to kill, a time to heal, a time to destroy, a time to build.

There is a time, there is a time.

A time to weep, a time to laugh, a time to mourn, a time to dance,

To scatter stones, to gather stones, a time to embrace, and to refrain.

A time to search, a time to lose, a time to hold, a time to release.

There is a time, there is a time.

A time for silence, a time to speak,

A time to love, a time to hate,

A time for war, a time for peace.

There is a time, there is a time.

Pur Ti Miro from “The Coronation of Poppea” by Claudio Monteverdi

This duet is the finale of the opera, “The Coronation of Poppea”, by Claudio Monteverdi.  The piece, sung in Italian, was written in 1642.  This duet is traditionally performed at weddings.  The translation is as follows:

Translation

Pur Ti Miro, Pur ti stringo,            I adore you, I embrace you,

pur ti godo, pur t’annodo              I desire you, I enchain you,

più non peno, più non moro,        no more grieving, no more sorrow,

O mia vita, o mio tesoro.              O my dearest, O my beloved.

Io son tua, speme mia                  I am yours, O my love,

dillo dí l’idol mio,                           tell me so, you are mine,

tu sei pur, si mio ben,                   mine alone, O my love.

Si mio cor, mia vita                       Feel my heart, see my love, see.

The Crucifixion from “Hermit Songs” by Samuel Barber

The Crucifixion was taken from a collection entitled “Hermit Songs”.  Each text in the collection was chosen because of its peculiar history.  Barber composed a collection of Irish songs that monks in the middle ages had inscribed in the margins of holy books they were copying. The very nature of their writings implied that these words were never intended for public consumption.  Therefore, the texts are a very personal statement about their views of God and the world around them.  In the composer’s preface, he stated ““They are small poems, thoughts or observations, some very short, and speak in starightforward, droll, and often suprisingly modern terms of the simple life these men led, close to nature, to animals, and to God.” 

Lyrics

At the cry of the first bird
They began to crucify Thee, 0 Swan!
Never shall lament cease because of that.
It was like the parting of day from night.
Ah, sore was the suffering borne
By the body of Mary's Son,
But sorer still to Him was the grief
Which for His sake
Came upon His Mother.

Idyll of Praise by Craig Courtney

The definition of Idyll is “a short poem descriptive of praise” and is derived from the Greek meaning “little picture”.  This setting is certainly reminiscent of a personal observation of the beauty of God’s creation.   It is an anthem of praise and adoration for all that is bestowed on us from our “Father”.

Lyrics

This is my father’s world,

And to my listening ears all nature sings,

And round me rings the music of the spheres.

This is my Father’s world: 

I rest me in the thought of rocks and trees,

Of skies and seas His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world.

This is my Father’s world,

The birds their carols raise, the morning light, the lilly white,

Declare their maker’s praise.

This is my Father’s world:

He shines in all that’s fair;

In rustling grass I hear Him pass,
I hear Him everywhere.

This is my Father’s world. 

This is my Father’s world,

O let me not forget that though the wrong seems oft so strong,

God is the Ruler yet.  This is my Father’s world:

The battle is not done;

Jesus who died shall be satisfied,

And earth and heaven be one.

This is my Father’s world.

The 23rd Psalm from “Hymnus Paradisi” by Herbert Howells

Herbert Howells, a renowned English composer,  is best remembered for his contribution to Anglican sacred music, and particularly “Hymnus Paradisi”, which was written after the death of his son, Michael.  The piece, completed in the late 1930’s sat in his desk for fifteen years, before being performed in 1950.  This work was a cathartic exercise for the grieving father, and that pain and longing can be felt in this haunting dedication to his son.  The 23rd Psalm is a small sampling of this tremendous musical work of art.

Lyrics

The Lord is my shepherd;

Therefore can I lack nothing.

He shall feed me in a green pasture:

And lead me forth beside the waters of comfort.

He shall convert my soul:

And bring me forth in paths of righteousness.

And lead me forth beside the waters of comfort.

Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil:

Thy rod and thy staff comfort me.

Thou shall prepare a table before me against them thattrouble me:

Thou hast anointed my head with oil,

And cup shall be full.

Cantique de Jean Racine by Gabriel Faure

Cantique de Jean Racine was written by Gabriel Faure when he was only 19.  Although the piece was originally written for choir and organ, this setting for solo and piano brings out its intimate and yearning text.  The text is by Jean Racine, the 17th century dramatist. 

Translation

Word, equal to the Almighty, our only hope,
Eternal light of the earth and the Heavens;
We break the peaceful night's silence,
Divine Saviour, cast your eyes upon us!

Spread the fire of your mighty grace upon us
May the entire hell flee at the sound of your voice;
Disperse from any slothful soul the drowsiness
Inducing it to forget your laws!

Oh Christ, look with favour upon this faithful people
Which has now gathered to bless you.
Receive its singing, offered to your immortal glory,
And may it leave with the gifts you have bestowed upon it!

Sure on This Shining Night by Samuel Barber

Some secular music has the ability to raise the human condition in such a way that it raises the pulse of the “sacred” heart.  This song by Samuel Barber is one of those very pieces.  Samuel Barber used the poetry of James Agee as the setting for this evocative composition.

Lyrics

Sure on this shining night

Of star-made shadows round

Kindness must watch for me

This side the ground

The late year lies down the north,

All is healed, all is health

High summer holds the earth,

Hearts all whole

Sure on this shining night

I weep for wonder

Wandr’ing far alone

Of shadows on the stars.

Miserere by Gregorio Allegri

Miserere is a setting of Psalm 51 (50) composed during the Reign of Pope Urban VII, likely in 1630’s, for use in the Sistine Chapel during Holy Week.  This music was so sought after, that at some point, it became forbidden to transcribe this music.   The punishment was excommunication from the church.  This strict ruling only added to the rest of the world’s desire to hear this beautiful music, and there were many accounts of the “forbidden” piece being performed in various courts all over Europe.  This ban lasted until a 14 year old Mozart  heard the music in 1771and transcribed it entirely from memory.  During his travels, he met a British historian who later published the work.  The Pope heard of the publishing and summoned the young Mozart.  But instead of excommunicating him,  he showered the young composer with praise for his genius.  This piece is usually performed in Anglican and Reform churches on Ash Wednesday.

Translation

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness:
According unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.

I Believe That My Redeemer Lives by C. Alexander Peloquin/ Arr. Charles Lindberg

C. Alexander Peloquin’s influence on American Liturgical Music, in the last part of the 20th century can be characterized by the fact that at every stop of Pope’s John Paul’s visit in 1979 to the United States, a Peloquin piece was programmed into the service.  Among his admirers was Mother Theresa.  The composer left a large legacy when he retired from his post at The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence, Rhode Island as Music Director in 1991.  Among many of those he mentored was Robert Levulis, who introduced this spectacular piece to our cantor, Scott Ailing who toured Europe with Robert Levulis singing this very piece.  The introduction and finale were specifically arranged for Scott Ailing’s European performance of this piece.

Lyrics

I believe that my redeemer lives,

And that on the last day I shall rise from the earth

And in my flesh I shall see God my Savior.

It will not be some other being, but I myself who see Him,

My own eyes shall look upon Him.

And in my flesh I shall see God, my Savior.

I believe that my Redeemer lives

And that on the last day

I shall rise from the earth,

And in my flesh I shall see God, my Savior

Alleluia!  Alleluia!  Alleluia!

Ave Maria by Charles Gounod

This setting of the Ave Maria is also a meditation on Bach’s first prelude.  It is one of the many settings of Ave Maria; a testament to the mother of Jesus.

Lyrics

Ave Maria, gratia plena,
Dominus, tecum,
benedicta tu in mulieribus
et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus.
Sancta Maria, sancta Maria,
Maria, ora pro nobis nobis peccatoribus,
nunc et in hora, in hora mortis nostrae.
Amen! Amen!

One Wish by Jennifer Quinones

This piece was written shortly after the birth of Jennifer’s second son, Elliot.  As many new mothers ponder the lessons and dreams that they wish for their children, Jennifer wanted to express in music what she couldn’t express in normal language.  It is written as a reminder, to the listener, to cherish each beautiful and meaningful moment that we are given.

Lyrics

Look at the Sun, it’s risen once more.

Twinkling stars, rippling waves on the shore.

Soak it up, breathe it in

Put it on, let all love begin.

I weep for wonder, I weep for soul.

I weep for music that never grows old.

This is my one wish, that you can see

The beauty around you,  around you and me.

Take the time, it’s ticking away.

The hour is now so don’t delay.

Soak it up, breathe it in,

Put it on, let all love begin.

I weep for wonder, I weep for soul.

I weep for music that never grows old.

This is my one wish, that you can see

The beauty around you, around you and me.

Time will go on, every new dawn

Awake and be free.

Dreaming of light, there’ll  be no night

For you and for me.

It’s all around you, all around you in the air.

Go out and find your beauty everywhere.

I weep for wonder, I weep for soul.

I weep for music that never grows old.

This is my one wish, that you can see

That you will see the beauty around you

Let beauty surround you.

There’s beauty around you and me.