So there I was – upstairs amongst the racks of books and scores. I pulled manuscripts from the racks and sat
on the floor between the stacks with music all around me. Now, I could have gone and sat at a table,
but where is the fun in that!
Essentially, I was looking for music composed before 1923.
Well, even if the music was composed before 1923, if it was part of a
collection, the date of the collection also needed to be prior to 1923! Most of you know where I am headed with this – I wanted music
that was soundly in the public domain. As I waded through the manuscripts and
collections, I was drawn to a multi-volume collection of music for the piano. As I turned the pages, I came across a piece
called “Contemplation” by Heinrich Lichner. It didn't take long for me to see how it might be re-worked/arranged into a
choral work. Once I got home, I noticed
a long, linear line that is soloistic in nature. So now this arrangement may very well be for
choir and soprano solo. But, we’ll see what happens in the coming
weeks as I work with not only the music, but also select and underlay a text.
Those who know me well would not be surprised to learn that even before I
saw the music, I was taken by the title – “Contemplation.” Indeed, the music is introspective,
contemplative and even somewhat melancholy. I confess, I have a melancholy streak– there
are certain tonalities that strike a chord within me. I find this to be true not only with music, but
with the written word as well.
There are other intriguing pieces I brought back with me,
but I’ll save that for another time.
Blessings…
PS
First Presbyterian Church (Associate Reformed), Columbia, SC. I attended this church for a time while in Columbia. It is a majestic church with a rich history; but more importantly,
great preaching echoes within these walls.