Several thousand people who had gathered in the Extension of The Mother Church on the afternoon of June 7, 2009, will never forget a Hymn Sing led by Désirée Goyette.
After some routine announcements from the platform, the auditorium fell silent. Then from the back rows came a lyric soprano voice singing words the singer happened to have written herself 20 years previously: “I am the Lord, there is none else; / There is no God beside Me” (Christian Science Hymnal Supplement, No. 444, based on Isaiah 45:5, 6).
It was the event coordinator, Désirée Goyette, who had traveled from California to take part. Soon she came into view. She walked slowly down the west aisle and sprang lightly up onto the platform, by which time everyone had joined her in singing lines that are now firm favorites: “Governed by Love, you’re safe and secure; / I am forever beside thee.”
Désirée has made similar entrances during Church Summits in Pasadena, California, and in Hanover, Germany, and she continues to sing from time to time as a guest soloist in The Mother Church.
During a recent chat with Désirée in Boston, Kim began by taking her back to Annual Meeting 2009.
What I best remember is that there wasn’t a dry eye in the place before you’d even reached the platform! Tell us more about the writing of that hymn.
It was born out of an earnest search for the “perfect” solo for a particular Sunday service. As a church soloist, I was always looking for solos that really supported the Christian Science Bible Lesson. That week those comforting words from Isaiah jumped off the page to me, “I am the Lord, there is none else; / There is no God beside Me.” As I spoke them aloud, an insistent 6/8 rhythm and lyrical melody line just flowed. So, since the song was initially written as a solo, you can imagine my delight when The Christian Science Publishing Society expressed an interest in my resetting it as a hymn for the Christian Science Hymnal Supplement. And I had a great time restructuring the song, simplifying the music a bit, and adding more spiritual substance to the text.
What about your role in Siyahamba (No. 460) and the somewhat more conventional “Communion Hymn” by Mary Baker Eddy (No. 454)?
Ah, Siyahamba was so much fun for me and my husband, Ed Bogas, to work on! We were familiar with the traditional Zulu tune and text, and the English chorus, which is a staple in many congregational and choral repertoires. The simple message in the traditional chorus, “walking in the light,” inspired me to add two verses of text that evoke a more global perspective of our oneness with God and with one another. Ed enjoyed creating the musical arrangement with a rhythmic bass line and syncopated melody—quite a change from the hymns in our Christian Science Hymnal!
Time seems to stand still when I'm writing a song.
Like “I am the Lord,” No. 454 was first written as a solo and was featured on my CD Heavenly Rest, a collection of settings of Mary Baker Eddy’s poems. When I write something, it’s usually just for that moment, from my heart—often as a kind of healing prayer. So, when I hear how others are sharing it and using it in their lives, it’s such a blessing to me.
When I decided to work with Mrs. Eddy’s poems, I just read them—without any music in mind. In this way I was able to reconsider the natural flow of her healing words, and the melodies just sprang from that. I especially love the way her questions challenge us: “Saw ye … ? Heard ye … ? Felt ye … ?” As I see it, she’s urging us to see, hear, and feel with our spiritual sense, not our physical sense. So I loved bringing out those questions in a musical way and using some more contemporary chord changes.
Tell us more about the part hymns and solos have played in your life.
Well, hymns have always been what I went to for inspiration and healing. I would sing them, improvise on them, and carry them with me throughout the day. Writing original hymns and solos feels no different. Typically, an inspiring thought comes to me; then it’s as though the words begin to form their own melody. Mrs. Eddy herself expressed it so well: “Mental melodies and strains of sweetest music supersede conscious sound” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 213). With that in mind, I find I can step into the task of writing a new song with complete confidence that something will find its way onto the manuscript paper. That, to me, confirms that all creative ideas come from the Divine. My job is to quiet my thought and allow Soul to express itself.
You’ve been singing as a soloist in some capacity since you were 14; you have a degree in composition; you’ve written an oratorio; you’ve received Grammy nominations; you’ve sung in Carnegie Hall, New York. How do you achieve balance in your life between show business and church business and family responsibilities?
Well, that’s something I’m always working on. I guess I’m learning to say yes to what’s new—what will most challenge me to grow spiritually. There’s a timeless quality about the creative process. Time seems to stand still when I’m writing a song, interacting with our twin children, or performing. It’s the idea of just being fully present—mostly with God. Then life doesn’t feel so much like a balancing act. It’s the act of being in balance.
You appear to be deeply conscious of the healing power of sung words and music.
I think just the simple act of singing places one in a zone of receptivity. It comes so naturally to us, like the spontaneity of a child singing along the grocery store aisle. Singing sends a message to you that all is truly well. I often feel totally transformed while singing—open, resonant, trusting. It’s a wonderful feeling. I think that since hymns are intended to have a healing influence, both words and music need strength and clarity. However, sometimes the simplest melody—even without words—can have a profound healing effect.
How do you prepare for performances?
Just before I go onto the stage or platform, I always say some sort of prayer—usually a prayer of gratitude: “Thank you, infinite Soul, for giving me this opportunity to express You. I know all is well, and all will be blessed.” Sometimes I’ll remember a line of a favorite hymn, “Take my voice, and let me sing / Always, only, for my King” (Frances R. Havergal, Christian Science Hymnal, No. 324). Or the beautiful prayer of Saint Francis, “Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace.”
And do you still have professional and personal goals?
Of course! I’d love to do a Broadway show, perform live with the symphony, reach wider audiences with my Easter, Oratorio, and produce many more CDs with my husband. Mostly though, I just really enjoy being together with our kids as a family, and doing well what’s right in front of me to do. I suppose that’s my ultimate goal, to live so fully every moment as an expression of divine Love that I can look back on my life and see a beautiful strand of pearl-like moments.
