Music contributes to a healing atmosphere in church to the degree that it expresses spiritual qualities. An organ voluntary by Purcell may express joy, vitality, the energies of Spirit. A toccata by Bach may hint at the might and majesty of divine Principle. A chorale prelude by Brahms may express the peace and tenderness of Soul and the warmth of Love. Whether we are musicians, music committee members, or appreciative listeners, we should strive to listen with spiritual sense. Our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, writes: "Comeliness and grace are independent of matter. Being possesses its qualities before they are perceived humanly. Beauty is a thing of life, which dwells forever in the eternal Mind and reflects the charms of His goodness in expression, form, outline, and color." Science and Health, p. 247.
In selecting music for the church service, the organist and soloist can look for pieces that show a high degree of inspiration. Thoughtful study of the Bible Lesson In the Christian Science Quarterly. will guide this choice, and it is wise for us all to review frequently Article XIX, "Music in the Church," in the Manual of The Mother Church by Mrs. Eddy. Our Leader's requirements can set a sterling standard for branch Churches of Christ, Scientist, as well as for The Mother Church.
In the field of church music, there is general agreement as to who the great masters are. The list would surely include Bach, Handel, Franck, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Buxtehude, Pachelbel, Couperin.Helpful repertoire lists of both organ music and church solos are available through Christian Science Reading Rooms. In light of our Leader's requirements, organists and soloists should be on guard against music characterized by banality or sentimentality.
There is also contemporary music that deserves to be heard in our churches. It is natural that we should be aware of the artistic life of our own times and be open to the work of contemporary composers. The important question about any music—old or new—is, How high is the quality of the composer's inspiration? The Psalmist urges: "Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints." Ps. 149:1.
A word to the wise: A church musician may have an affinity for a particular composer or period, and this may be fruitful and beneficial. At the same time, he should be wary of any aggressive impulse to impose his personal tastes on a congregation.
Having chosen their music thoughtfully, the organist and soloist can strive to express spiritual qualities in their performances. Some lines from a hymn suggest how this is achieved:
Not what I am, O Lord, but what Thou
art;
That, that alone can be my soul's
true rest ....
'Tis what I know of Thee, my Lord and
God,
That fills my soul with peace, my lips
with song . . . .Christian Science Hymnal, No. 195.
Remember that our great Master, Christ Jesus, said, "The Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works." And St. Paul later gave this assurance: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." John 14:10; Phil. 4:13.
We are not personal creators, but we reflect God's infinite goodness in our individual expression of beauty. We can pray to be a transparency for God, to let His joy shine through us. Our expression of joy is a signal to the world that we sincerely believe—and are grateful for —the truths of God and man. An experienced organist and teacher, who had been a judge at many competitions, once said he always asked himself, "Does that person enjoy playing that piece and sharing it?"
Likewise, God's Mother-love should be felt in our church services. This love impels and empowers the services, which proclaim Truth to a hungering world. Mrs. Eddy writes: "Hold in yourselves the true sense of harmony, and this sense will harmonize, unify, and unself you. . . . I want not only quality, quantity, and variation in tone, but the unction of Love. Music is divine. Mind, not matter, makes music; and if the divine tone be lacking, the human tone has no melody for me." Message to The Mother Church for 1900, p. 11.
Clearly, when musicians are at their best and when the selection and performance of the music are based on sincere and humble prayer, something of Mind's harmony is truly demonstrated. In place of human busyness and outlining, Christian Science teaches us to lean on God, to listen for His angel messages, and to trust His unfailing care for His offspring. In place of competitiveness, Science teaches us to appreciate the blossoming of each individual in his own God-appointed way.
When a music committee holds auditions, its members can watch and listen for spiritual qualities: for example, selflessness, purity, sincerity. The same holds true if the committee is auditioning some who are not Christian Scientists. The world really is not composed of Scientists and non-Scientists; it's composed of God's children! As a practical consideration, a committee may ask a musician who is not a Christian Scientist if he or she is willing to read the Bible Lesson as a basis for selecting vocal solos or organ music. Also, those who are serving as Readers may be willing to offer guidance about the Bible Lessons to musicians who are not Scientists.
All who attend church services are involved in the music. Any musical performance entails, in addition to the composer and performer, the appreciative listener. Members of the congregation can lovingly support the choice of music even if they do not agree with it 100 percent. It may be helpful for each of us to ask, "Is my true responsibility to be a watchdog or is it to be a supportive listener?" All who participate can recognize and cherish the power for good in our church services. They can sing the hymns with vigor and joy, uniting in praise of the Most High, just as worshipers have done since the earliest days of the Christian Church.
As we serve in the house of the Lord —the house of which God has said, "My name shall be there" See I Kings 8:27-29.—we can all expect our inspiration to be ever fresh. One dictionary defines "to inspire" as "to fill with what animates, enlivens, or exalts." Another dictionary defines "inspiration" as "divine guidance or influence exerted directly upon the mind and soul of man." Because inspiration originates in God, Spirit, it is unfailing and inexhaustible. Inspiration flows as we pray to understand and prove our sonship with God, and as we see the unreality of any suggestion that Love's self-revelation could dry up or be blocked. The influence of Spirit liberates us to broaden our horizons and to express a wide spectrum of qualities, including intelligence, poise, spontaneity, vigor, steadfastness, and wisdom. Dedication to manifesting these qualities makes the task of the church musician an exalted lifework.
Let the peace of God rule in your hearts . . .;
and be ye thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another
in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Colossians 3:15, 16
