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"... when language evolved, it not only improved communication between people, it also ... allowed them to obfuscate and lie. People needed to find a more trustworthy means of communicating — a mode that could not lie or be faked. The solution to the problem of the lie made possible by language was music. ... We let music into our hearts and minds because we are designed to trust it as a message that cannot be faked."
Patrick McNamara, Boston University School of Medicine
The neurological explanation of music’s power suggested by Dr. McNamara in the quotation above goes a long way toward explaining stories like those of St. Augustine and Martin Luther, and perhaps stories like yours and mine as well. Augustine didn’t use the current expression “tipping point” to describe what the music of St. Ambrose did for him, but that music seems to have “tipped” Augustine firmly into the Christian faith. Similarly, it was said of Luther that his hymns caused more people to embrace the ideas of the Reformation than any of his theological treatises did. We all, apparently, “let music into our hearts and minds,” tending to trust it more than we trust sermons, lectures, sales pitches and political speeches.
It is the “trustworthiness” of music that, for example, encourages advertisers to use music to sell products. We might well distrust the words of a commercial, but if the words are set to a tune we like, we let the words enter “our hearts and minds” because they come to us musically. Of course, the same sort of thing is true of church music. Though no one would compare Bach to TV jingles, all of us who have lived in the Church for any length of time have heard repeatedly how important music is to the life of faith. Music helps us trust the message.
The power of music, that is, its trustworthiness, puts a great deal of responsibility not just on composers and musicians but on poets and hymn text writers as well. If our “hearts and minds” are inclined to trust music, it matters if the words too are trustworthy, because when sung, they will enter those hearts and minds that have been opened by music. That is both the gift and curse of music: truth and lies, love and hate, hope and fear, grace and cheap grace, when set to good tunes and rhythms will enter hearts and minds.
Sing For Joy is a program devoted to sacred choral music; that means it deals with words that are sung. Except for my brief on-air introductions, the program has no words but sung words; except for brief musical introductions and interludes, it has no wordless music. Every program consists of words and music woven together from beginning to end. In preparing programs we seek integrity of both text and tune, knowing it is a more difficult assignment with texts. Each week we hope that what enters your heart and mind helps you grow in faith, hope and love.
Peace be with you,
Pastor Bruce Benson
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| July 3, 2016 |
Time After Pentecost — Lectionary 14 (Year C)
(1R) Isaiah 66:10–14
(PS) Psalm 66:1–9
(2R) Galatians 6:(1–6), 7–16
(G) Luke 10:1–11, 16–20
Old American Songs, Set 2: Zion’s Walls – American Traditional / American Traditional, lyricist /
Aaron Copland, arranger / Glenn Koponen, arranger (1R, G)
Massed Choirs from 2012 St. Olaf Choral Festival: Northfield, MN / Anton Armstrong
(CD) Sing For Joy Archives / ST. OLAF COLLEGE / Not For Resale
© St. Olaf College www.stolaf.edu
Comfort, Comfort Now My People (GENEVAN 42 or FREU DICH SEHR) – Genevan Psalter /
Johann G. Olearius, lyricist / John Ferguson, arranger / Catherine Winkworth, translator (1R)
Massed Choirs of St. Olaf College: Northfield, MN / The St. Olaf Orchestra / John Ferguson
(CD) O Come to Us, Abide in Us, Our Lord Immanuel / ST. OLAF RECORDS / E-2838/9
© 2006 St. Olaf Records www.stolafrecords.com
I Couldn’t Hear Nobody Pray – African American Spiritual / Melanie Marshall, arranger (2R)
Willard White, bass / Graeme McNaught, accompanist
(CD) Copland: Old American Songs / MUSICAL HERITAGE SOCIETY / 515064W
© 1998 Musical Heritage Society
In the Cross of Christ I Glory (CROSS OF JESUS) – Sir John Stainer / Sir John Bowring, lyricist /
Catherine M. Palmer, arranger (2R)
Choir of Yorkminster Park Baptist Church / Ronald S. Jordan, accompanist / Catherine M. Palmer
(CD) The Joy of God / MARQUIS CLASSICS / ERAD 175
© 1996 Marquis Classics www.marquisclassics.com
Beneath the Cross of Jesus (ST. CHRISTOPHER) – Frederick C. Maker /
Elizabeth C. Clephane, lyricist (2R)
The Riverton Singers / Irmgard Baerg, accompanist / William Baerg
(CD) These Our Hymns / RIVERTON PRODUCTIONS / RP1200CD
© Riverton Productions
There is a Balm in Gilead (BALM IN GILEAD) – African American Spiritual /
William L. Dawson, arranger (1R)
The St. Olaf Choir: Northfield, MN / Anton Armstrong
(CD) The Spirituals of William L. Dawson / ST. OLAF RECORDS / E-2159
© 1997 St. Olaf Records www.stolafrecords.com
Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven (PRAISE MY SOUL) – Sir John Goss / Henry F. Lyte, lyricist /
Stephen Cleobury, arranger (1R)
The Choir of King’s College / The Wallace Collection, ensemble / Benjamin Bayl, accompanist /
Stephen Cleobury
(CD) Best Loved Hymns / EMI (ANGEL, EMI CLASSICS, EMI RECORDS, LTD) / 7243 5 57026 2 3
© 2001 EMI (Angel, EMI Classics, EMI Records, Ltd) www.warnerclassics.com
Lord, If I Got My Ticket – African American Spiritual / Alice Parker, arranger / Robert Shaw, arranger (G)
Robert Shaw Festival Singers / Robert Shaw
(CD) Amazing Grace: American Hymns & Spirituals / TELARC / CD-80325
© 1993 Telarc, Concord Music Group www.telarc.com
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Sing For Joy is possible because of listeners like you. Please consider a gift and help us bring music and Word to listeners around the world.
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| July 10, 2016 |
Time After Pentecost — Lectionary 15 (Year C)
(1R) Deuteronomy 30:9–14
(PS) Psalm 25:1–10
(2R) Colossians 1:1–14
(G) Luke 10:25–37
The Great Commandment – Ralph M. Johnson (G)
Calvin College Alumni Choir: Grand Rapids, MI / Kevin Bylsma, accompanist / Anton Armstrong
(CD) Salvation is Created / CALVIN COLLEGE / CD 2
© 1989 Calvin College www.calvin.edu
Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart (MORECAMBE) – Frederick C. Atkinson / George Croly, lyricist / Robert Berglund, arranger (G)
The Bethel Choir: St. Paul, MN / Robert Berglund
(CD) It is Good to be Merry / BETHEL COLLEGE / E-1865
© 1991 Bethel College www.bethel.edu
Humble Service (BEACH SPRING and WONDROUS LOVE) – William Walker / The Sacred Harp /
American Folk Hymn, lyricist / Albert F. Bayly, lyricist / Larry L. Fleming, arranger (G)
The National Lutheran Choir: Minneapolis, MN / Larry L. Fleming
(CD) The People’s Song / NATIONAL LUTHERAN CHOIR RECORDINGS / NLCA-12
© National Lutheran Choir Recordings www.nlca.com
Teach Me, O Lord – Thomas Attwood (PS)
The Choir of St. Paul’s Cathedral: London, United Kingdom / John Scott
(CD) The English Anthem – Volume 4 / HYPERION / CDA66678
© 1994 Hyperion, Hyperion Records Limited www.hyperion-records.co.uk
More Love – Shaker Tune / Sidney Davis, arranger (2R)
Soli Deo Gloria Cantorum: Omaha, NE / Almeda Berkey
(CD) Arma Lucis / SDG RECORDS / SDGCD 89
© 1989 SDG Records
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling – Ned Rorem / Charles Wesley, lyricist (G)
The Memphis Chamber Choir: Memphis, TN / John Ayer
(CD) Shout the Glad Tidings / PRO ORGANO / CD 7037
© 1992 Pro Organo www.proorgano.com
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (BLAENWERN) – William Rowlands / Charles Wesley, lyricist (G)
The Choir of St. John’s College / Allan Walker, accompanist / Christopher Robinson
(CD) Let All The World in Every Corner Sing: Hymns for Many Occasions / LINDENBERG / LBCD 58
© 1996 Lindenberg
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"Love divine, all loves excelling,
joy of heaven, to earth come down,
fix in us thy humble dwelling,
all thy faithful mercies crown."
-Charles Wesley
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| July 17, 2016 |
Time After Pentecost — Lectionary 16 (Year C)
(1R) Genesis 18:1–10a
(PS) Psalm 15
(2R) Colossians 1:15–28
(G) Luke 10:38–42
Brethren, We Have Met to Worship (HOLY MANNA) – William Moore / George Atkins, lyricist /
Alice Parker, arranger (G)
Musicians of Melodious Accord / Alice Parker
(CD) Sweet Manna / GIA PUBLICATIONS / GIA CD-434
© 1999 GIA Publications www.giamusic.com
Blessed Jesus, At Your Word (LIEBSTER JESU) – Johann Rudolph Ahle / Tobias Clausnitzer, lyricist / Catherine Winkworth, translator (G)
Cantus Choro / Geoffrey Cox, accompanist / Peter Chapman
(CD) Songs and Praises / MOVE RECORDS / MD3142
© 1992 Move Records www.move.com.au
I Love to Hear the Story – Swedish Folk Tune / Emily H. Miller, lyricist / Karle Erickson, arranger (G)
The Gustavus Choir: St. Peter, MN / Karle Erickson
(CD) Favorite Swedish Hymns / DELTA RECORDINGS / DRCD91-131
© Delta Recordings
Jesu, The Very Thought of Thee (ST. BOTOLPH) – Gordon Slater / Bernard of Clairvaux, lyricist /
Rev. Edward Caswall, translator (G)
Choir of Yorkminster Park Baptist Church / Ronald S. Jordan, accompanist / Catherine M. Palmer
(CD) The Joy of God / MARQUIS CLASSICS / ERAD 175
© 1996 Marquis Classics www.marquisclassics.com
Day by Day (BLOTT EN DAG) – Oskar Ahnfelt / Carolina V. Sandell-Berg, lyricist / Mark Hayes, arranger (G)
St. Olaf Cantorei: Northfield, MN / James Bobb
(CD) Sing For Joy Archives / ST. OLAF COLLEGE / Not For Resale
© St. Olaf College stolaf.edu
O God, You Search Me and You Know Me – Bernadette Farrell / Bernadette Farrell, lyricist (2R)
The Choir of Wells Cathedral / Malcolm Archer
(CD) The English Hymn, Vol. 5: Lead, kindly Light: Hymns of Faith and Assurance / HYPERION / CDP12105
© 2004 Hyperion, Hyperion Records Limited www.hyperion-records.co.uk
Thee Will I Love – Kenneth Jennings / Johann Scheffler, lyricist / Catherine Winkworth, translator (G)
The National Lutheran Choir: Minneapolis, MN / Larry L. Fleming
(CD) A New Song / NATIONAL LUTHERAN CHOIR RECORDINGS / NLCA-92
© National Lutheran Choir Recordings www.nlca.com
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"Whether the heart longs for home, or hope, or peace, music helps the heart to pray."
-Pastor Bruce Benson
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| July 24, 2016 |
Time After Pentecost — Lectionary 17 (Year C)
(1R) Genesis 18:20–32
(PS) Psalm 138
(2R) Colossians 2:6–15, (16–19)
(G) Luke 11:1–13
The Lord’s Prayer – Max Saunders (G)
Florence Quivar, mezzo-soprano / Larry Woodard, piano
(CD) Ride On, King Jesus! / EMI (ANGEL, EMI CLASSICS, EMI RECORDS, LTD) / CDC 7 49885 2
© 1990 EMI (Angel, EMI Classics, EMI Records, Ltd) www.warnerclassics.com
The Lord’s Prayer – Robert Stone (G)
The Cambridge Singers / John Rutter
(CD) Hail, Gladdening Light / COLLEGIUM RECORDS / COLCD 113
© 1990 Collegium Records, Naxos of America, Inc. www.collegium.co.uk
The Lord’s Prayer – Albert Hay Malotte (G)
St. Thomas Choir of Men and Boys: New York, NY / Leontyne Price, soprano /
George Decker, accompanist / William Self
(CD) The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns, & Sacred Songs / RCA VICTOR / 09026-68157-2
© 1997 RCA Victor
In Terra Pax: Notre Père – Frank Martin (G)
Brighton Festival Chorus / The London Philharmonic / Matthias Bamert
(CD) Martin: The Four Elements / In Terra Pax / CHANDOS / CHAN 9465
© 1996 Chandos www.chandos.net
Pater noster – Charles Villiers Stanford (G)
The Choir of the Abbey School: Tewkesbury, England / Benjamin Nicholas
(CD) Pater Noster: Settings of the Lord’s Prayer / PRIORY RECORDS, LTD. / PRCD 787
© 2003 Priory Records, Ltd. www.priory.org.uk
Notre Père – Maurice Duruflé (G)
Voices of Ascension: New York, NY / Mark Kruczek, accompanist / Dennis Keene
(CD) The Duruflé Album / DELOS / DE 3169
© 1995 Delos, Delos Productions, Inc. www.delosmusic.com
Our Father, Op. 29, No. 11 – Alexandr Grechaninov (G)
The St. Olaf Choir: Northfield, MN / Anton Armstrong
(CD) My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord / ST. OLAF RECORDS / E-2396
© 2001 St. Olaf Records www.stolafrecords.com
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"Gratitude is a way of responding, but also a way of seeing life and the world. It comes from a certain kind of vision. Music, meant for the ears, can encourage and inspire that sort of vision."
-Pastor Bruce Benson
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| July 31, 2016 |
Time After Pentecost — Lectionary 18 (Year C)
(1R) Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12–14; 2:18–23
(PS) Psalm 49:1–12
(2R) Colossians 3:1–11
(G) Luke 12:13–21
All My Hope on God is Founded (MICHAEL) – Herbert Howells / Robert Bridges, lyricist /
Christopher Palmer, arranger (G)
The Choir of King’s College / The Wallace Collection, ensemble / Benjamin Bayl, accompanist /
Stephen Cleobury
(CD) Best Loved Hymns / EMI (ANGEL, EMI CLASSICS, EMI RECORDS, LTD) / 7243 5 57026 2 3
© 2001 EMI (Angel, EMI Classics, EMI Records, Ltd) www.warnerclassics.com
Praise God (TANDENEI) – Carnatic Tamil / Vedamuthu Masillamony, lyricist /
Larry L. Fleming, arranger (1R, G)
The National Lutheran Choir: Minneapolis, MN / Larry L. Fleming
(CD) Trinity / NATIONAL LUTHERAN CHOIR RECORDINGS / NLCA-22
© National Lutheran Choir Recordings www.nlca.com
Be Thou My Vision (SLANE) – Irish Traditional / Irish Traditional, lyricist / John Ferguson, arranger (2R)
St. Olaf Cantorei: Northfield, MN / John Ferguson
(CD) The Green Season: A Sing For Joy Hymn Festival / PACIFIC RIM SOUND / PRS 08005
© 2007 Pacific Rim Sound www.pacificrimsound.com
If Ye Be Risen Again with Christ – Orlando Gibbons (2R)
Chancel Choir of the Church of the Incarnation: Dallas, TX / Kevin M. Clarke
(CD) The Glory of Gibbons / PRO ORGANO / CD 7062
© 1998 Pro Organo www.proorgano.com
Come Away to the Skies – American Folk Tune / Charles Wesley, lyricist / Alice Parker, arranger /
Robert Shaw, arranger (2R, G)
Robert Shaw Festival Singers / Robert Shaw
(CD) Amazing Grace: American Hymns & Spirituals / TELARC / CD-80325
© 1993 Telarc, Concord Music Group www.telarc.com
All Praise to Thee, My God This Night (Glory to Thee, My God This Night) (TALLIS CANON) –
Thomas Tallis / Thomas Ken, lyricist (G)
The Westminster Choir: Princeton, NJ / Joan Lippincott, organ / Joseph Flummerfelt
(CD) Favorite Hymns And Anthems / GOTHIC / G 49044
© 1990 Gothic, Gothic Records, Inc. www.gothicrecords.com
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| Thank you to everyone who supported Sing For Joy during our spring fund drive. We set an ambitious goal of $10,000 that was met just in time, with a grand total of $10,055. We received 130 gifts, ranging from $10 to $1,000, and are happy to welcome 10 new donors to the Sing For Joy community. Gifts came from listeners in 27 states, with the largest number from Virginia, North Carolina and Minnesota. Thank you for supporting Sing For Joy and helping us share great sacred choral music with listeners around the world. |
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“Thank you for making my Sunday mornings so special.” -Ruckersville, Virginia
“Sing For Joy is a part of my Sunday morning worship. Thank you so much!” -Lincoln, Nebraska
“I very much enjoy your programs. I listen every Sunday morning at 7:30 am on WEMC – and often sing along.” -Harrisonburg, Virginia
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Sing For Joy is supported by listeners like you. When you give to Sing For Joy you are saying 'yes' to great sacred choral music. Have questions or want to donate by phone? Call us at 507-786-2600.
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In Memory Of:
Dr. Wendell Buckley, Memorial Day 2016
Barbara Csomay
Keith Ingbritsen – class of 1953
Marian S. Kline
Rev. Paul H. Pittman III
Michael S.
In Honor Of:
Dolores Flaa Bjerga
Carolyn Pierson
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