When I was a high school senior, I took part in a young artists' program with a local choir, and one of our projects that year was to join the local symphony orchestra for their performance of Beethoven's Symphony Number Nine. I had never sung with orchestral accompaniment before, nor had I ever sung with such a large group of wonderful choral singers. Each of the high-school-aged singers was paired with an experienced mentor who sat next to us in the ensemble, and I remember sharing with my mentor my wide-eyed gratitude for getting to be part of something so grand. Choral rehearsals leading up to the performance were exciting, but I will never forget the experience of rehearsing with the orchestra for the first time at the symphony hall. As the orchestra began the final movement (the only movement that includes a chorus), the sound swelled around us. We heard the orchestra and soloist introduce the famous Ode to Joy theme, and by the time the chorus entered, I'm not sure I could sing at all because of how intensely emotional the whole experience was!
I carry that experience with me every time I sing the hymn Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee, which Sing For Joy listeners will hear on our October 12 program. The tune is an adaptation of Beethoven's theme, and the text comes from the early twentieth century hymn writer, Henry Van Dyke. While some hymn writers create texts without a specific tune in mind, Van Dyke penned Joyful, Joyful with Beethoven's melody in mind. The strong, soaring melody combines with an exuberant poem of praise to create a memorable marriage of text and tune that endures through the ages.
The version of the hymn we will hear this month, led by the National Lutheran Choir with organist and conductor David Cherwien, offers a fresh take on the enduring hymn. You'll hear a delightful extended organ introduction with a recurring rhythmic motive that plays on the midstanza rhythmic moment in the hymn, along with an a cappella third verse and a jubilant final verse with a soprano descant. We hear the hymn in context of a healing account from Luke's gospel (Lk 17:11-19). Jesus heals 10 people, and one of those 10 turns back to offer his gratitude. Gratitude is a theme on our October 12 program, and we are sent out with Cherwien's setting of Joyful, Joyful.
As the days shorten and the nights cool (at least here in Minnesota!), may we turn to gratitude for the gifts of the changing seasons. May we be reminded of God's presence and guidance in every season, giving thanks with the hymn writer Henry Van Dyke:
"All Your works with joy surround You,
Earth and heav'n reflect Your rays,
Stars and angels sing around You,
Center of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow'ry meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
call us to rejoice in thee."
Peace to you all,
