[Worship] re: Re-Arranging Musical Liturature

[CCoblentz@aol.com]

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Earl Wrote:  
>I received a well written, respectful letter by a classically trained 
pianist in our >congregation who informed me that our contemporizing hymns was not 
proper, >as it was not appropriate to change music from that of the composer's 
intent.

Earl, I too have been classically trained and this it what we have been 
taught - it is an insult to the composer to not follow their composition.  (How 
close have we been in retaining the accuracy of the composition.  E.g.  Do we use 
the sustain pedal for pieces written in the 18th century - or before the 
sustain pedal/system was invented?) BUT, we can see from church history 
re-arranging has been done throughout the ages - not out of disrespect, but one of 
honor; out of an attempt to evangelize and minister to people.  

I am trying to recall and think if Bach, Mozart, Haydn, etc. used chant 
melody lines, etc. when composing.  If I recall correctly, they copied their own 
music as well as others, and it might just be OK to contemporize a hymn once in 
a while.  And, according to church history, it has worked.  Who was it that 
took bar songs and used the instrumental arrangement and changed the lyrics?  I 
am not encouraging this, just bringing up an option.  

We "marry" hymns to contemporary music in our church and it is beautiful.  We 
also sing hymns using only piano and organ - again, musically beautiful.  

Grace and peace to you Earl,
Catherine