While many of our parishioners are aware that music plays a central role in the worship and mission of the church, we often forget the ways in which the process of music making strengthens relationships and provides a healthy outlet for those who may be overwhelmed by the stresses of daily life. Just as the sanctuary provides a “safe-haven” from the chaos of the outside world, the singing of sacred music gives us the opportunity to escape from a culture that seems focused on material wealth, physical image, and social standing.
Amidst the spiritual and community building benefits of making music, there also exists the inclination to create hierarchies that categorize different genres of music as being “lesser” and “greater.” The Episcopal Church has historically been known for its musical greatness; complex and refined compositions make up the bulk of our musical repertoire. This is an important aspect of our history – as the Roman Catholic Church began to simplify liturgical music during Vatican II, the Episcopal Church dug farther into its musical roots, expanding complex musical structures dating back to Renaissance composers such as Thomas Tallis and Orlando Gibbons.
Here at Saint Stephen’s, we take pride in our heritage of Anglican music, but we recognize that this is not our only method of praising God. At our Evensong service on Sunday, November 3 (5:00 PM), we will experience the glory of organ and choir in an undoubtedly Anglican service; we will find solace in those hymns and anthems that combine compositional refinement with memorable and accessible melodies. This service stands in direct contrast to our Jazz Vespers service, which we offered in September. Both of these contrasting services, however, are a part of our identity. Whether we are singing simple jazz melodies or complex settings of Anglican chant, we recognize that these songs are simply vehicles to further the glory of God in the world around us. I take great pride in being able to work in a religious institution that praises God in many musical languages.
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