In less than than three weeks we will have the unusual opportunity to sing two of the most beautiful choral/orchestral works in the literature-- one, a Requiem mass, left unfinished on the deathbed of one of the great genius composers in the history of the world; the other, a piece by one of the most prolific women composers (also one of the most significant Canadian composers) of our time to be performed in our state for the first time ever. It is an extraordinary opportunity to be called together to give voice to these profound masterworks. We have such abundant talent, rich experience, and bright intellect among our choir (and also within our orchestra)! We have been given all of the gifts necessary to effectively process and then communicate the message that these inspired composers have entrusted to us. There is no limit to our potential and possibility!...as long as...
As I have suggested many times before, no matter how talented, experienced, and intelligent we are, our ability to fully live into great music like this comes only from our willingness to offer it the discipline that it invites, requires, and deserves. It is our discipline and preparation (individual and collective) that make it possible for our (individual and collective) talent and experience and intellect to sound and soar. Our personal and communal preparation creates a space for the spirit to flow, helping us to engage in the music with more confidence, presence, and facility. We can then becomes servants of the music-- not just singing note by note-- but vessels open to become channels for communication with our audience and with one another. You must not practice to make me or Jeremy happy-- it's possible we won't ever know if you do or don't. You must practice in gratitude for the gifts you have been given-- the gift to sing, the gift to experience great music, and the gift to share all of that with a roomful of wonderful, amazing people. Allow the music to become a part of you-- fully immerse yourselves, swim in it, luxuriate in it, soak in it.
What are some ways to immerse yourselves in this piece, for example:
Frequent www.firstplymouthchoir.
For those who like to plan or who will need to miss upcoming rehearsals, here are the items which will be covered:
Tonight:
Dies Irae
Lacrymosa
Sanctus
Benedictus: Osanna fugue
From Darkness to Light--pgs. 12-25
Sunday:
Domine Jesu
Lacrymosa
Dies Irae
Benedcitus: Osanna fugue
Confutatis
Kyrie fugue, p. 9 (Cum sanctus fugue p. 75)
From Darkness to Light--complete
On a more practical note: tonight a carpool sign-up sheet will be posted, and directions will be available for our Sunday evening rehearsal with the Doane Choir in Heckman Auditorium at Doane. It is a rare opportunity to have the chance to gather our choral forces together before the 'last-minute.' Please do everything you can possibly do to take part in this experience. It has the potential of galvanizing (even transforming) us for the final push towards finish line! Realize that in the many years we have benefited from the collaborations with college choirs, we have rarely traveled to their turf. It is a great opportunity for us to 'make the trip' this time around.
Grace and peace, and many thanks for offering me the opportunity to be part of your community. You are (individually and collectively) a blessing!
TT
