Instrumental Music and its Relationship to Song.

Instrumental Music and its Relationship to Song.

Hymns or sacred music are always related but not limited to song. However, sacred music is at its best potential when it is offered up in song precisely because it is a form of prayer. A song is simply a form of music composition where words are put into music/tune. Therefore, a song can only be performed by singing. These words that are put into music are words of prayer.

Paradoxically, instrumental music can also be referred to as "songs without words"

One of the most ancient prayers put into song (that were recorded in human or religious history) is the psalms. Unfortunately, only the words are recorded. The original tune or melody did not survive. This is because there was no developed system for music notation in those times. I am sure there were also songs not recorded both in its literal and musical forms. In those days, music or songs were taught and passed down to future generations mainly by rote. (we shall discuss music notation in the near future)

Every country, school and almost every society and organisation have their own anthem song. What about the Church? Does Mother Church have Her own anthem song? No. But, song itself is the Church's anthem. Singing and Church goes hand in hand. This is not a result of deliberate human invention but it only falls naturally as far as worship is concerned. It is almost an instinct for humans to worship in song.

Let us refer to the former Cardinal Ratzinger's view on this:

"When man comes into contact with God, mere speech is not enough. Areas of his existence are awakened that spontaneously turn into song. Indeed, man's own being is insufficient for what he has to express, and so he invites the whole of creation to become a song with him. (read psalm 57:8f). We find the first mentioning of singing in the Bible after the crossing of the Red Sea."

He then went on to write "Liturgical singing is established in the midst of this great historical tension. For Israel, the event of salvation in the Red Sea will always be the main reason for praising God, the basic theme of songs it sings before God"

Since the basic theme here for the songs we sing is salvation, therefore it confirms my earlier statement of "Song itself is the Church's own anthem" in paragraph 3. For Christians, the Resurrection of Christ is the true Exodus.

He then also wrote that "Quite spontaneously, the Psalter becomes the prayer book of the infant Church, which, with equal spontaneity, has become a Church that sings her prayers"

Singing as a form of prayer and worship has been practiced even in the early church. 1 COR 14:26 "When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification." Here St. Paul provides us with an interesting information about the order of service in early Christian liturgy.

Since the early liturgical singing (psalms) are of an Israeli origin, it can be concluded that it is an instrumentally supported singing. As far as this combination is concerned, we are on the right track.

We have many styles of sacred music;
1)Gregorian Chant (inherited tradition of Psalm-singing)
2)Baroque Polyphony
3)Symphonic/operatic
4)Pop (including all modern/contemporary forms of music like rock, ballads, country & western etc)
5)Local formed culture

Sacred music then can be divided into 2 categories;
1)Liturgical
2)Religious

Therefore, we need to determine which of the 5 styles are suitable for the liturgy (mass)

Needless to say then, we ought to be exposed to all the 5 styles and develop them as part of our repertoire. At this point in time, we are limited to one style which is POP (gross generalisation). Are we just comfortable within our comfort zone of POP? If we are, it is time to embrace change. Change sounds difficult and taxing but with the Holy Spirit and God's grace, anything is possible, only if we will it.

In our age and time shaped by culture, we are prone to be Pop-based. Malaysia is only 50 years old. The Church here is very young. Today, when you switch on the radio, the television or any form of media, everything is Pop culture. We "owe" it to Hollywood or America (gross generalisation) for this.

Pop culture isn't bad at all. It is just part of inculturation and progression of the human expression. However, Pop culture shouldn't be an end in itself and must be within the boundaries of TRUTH of true Christian worship.

If we are only to dwell in Pop, which we are ever too comfortable in, then we will lose the richness of Church tradition found in the other styles. Is pop all we have to offer to the future generation? Think again.

I now would like to encourage you and challenge you to develop the other styles of sacred music.

Haydn, a prominent composer during the 18th century and the father of symphonies said this to this effect of; That he experienced by anticipation of experiencing the reality of the Resurrection, and so it brings with it the joy of being loved, the gladness of heart when he set liturgical texts to music.

And so therefore, Cardinal Ratzinger concluded that:
"Thus a relation of liturgical music to *logos means, first of all, simply its relation to words. That is why singing in the liturgy has priority over instrumental music, though it does not in any way exclude it."

*logos means word/literal text

His statement is somewhat similar to what I have written in the 1st paragraph. Songs are words of prayer.

In some churches, the balance between singing and instrument playing is a little bit lop-sided. By that I mean that we have very little singers in the choir. In fact, most of the time, it is not really a choir but rather a bunch of enthusiastic servants of God singing. At times, there are more instrumentalist than singers serving in a mass. This is not meant to be a criticism or fault finding. It is just the way it is.

Having a choir makes a huge positive difference to sacred & liturgical music.

In summary, what I am trying to bring home is this;

1)Developing a Chorus (choir), not a band.
2)Increasing variability of style of sacred music.
3)Of all the styles, gregorian chant and sacred polyphony are to be given pride of place in the liturgy.

Yes we can and we must only for the greater Glory of God and only God and God alone.

Dear Lord Jesus the everlasting Logos, we pray for a sense of right worship befitting a King like you. Let us work together in unity and joy to serve you better in developing a proficient Choir and to embrace different styles which are unique to the tradition of your Church. We ask for your blessings in this area of growth and we thank you for all the talents and blessings that you have bestowed upon us. Amen.