|
The hymns for today’s Palm Sunday liturgy include Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord from Godspell, All Glory, Laud and Honor UMH #280 and We Sang Our Glad Hosannas, stanzas 1 through 4 FWS #2111. The children’s choir will sing the song Hosanna!. Our Alto Soloist, Patricia Hengen-Shields will present The Holy City by Stephen Adams. The Chancel Choir will present the anthem The Palms by Jean-Baptiste Faure, At the Name of Jesus by Ralph Vaughan Williams and the Benediction Response May the God of Love by Christopher Schroeder. Service music will include the organ selection Christ, the Life of All the Living by Flor Peeters.
Notes on today’s music: Today we hear two traditional musical pieces that are often sung on Palm Sunday. After a processional outside and as the choir, clergy and congregation enter the sanctuary, our soloist, Jason Buckwalter and the Chancel Choir will present the Palms by Jean-Baptiste Faure, a magnificent example of sacred music from the 19th century. The Palms is based on a text which tells the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, The music of the piece perfectly captures the joy and excitement that music have been felt by the people as they welcomed Jesus into the city. The piece begins with a gentle organ introduction that builds in intensity as the soloist and choir enter. The first verse is sung by the soloist, with the sopranos and altos joining in on the second verse. The music becomes more complex as the piece progresses, with intricate harmonies and soaring melodies that reach a peak at the phrase "Hosanna in excelsis", which is repeated several times throughout the piece. Beyond its musical qualities, The Palms holds a deep significance within religious culture. It is often performed on Palm Sunday, on this day that commemorates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. The text of the piece serves as a reminder of the joy and hope that Jesus brought into the world and of the importance of celebrating that joy.
Also in today’s worship we hear a solo sung by Patricia Hengen-Shields that is often sung during the Palm Sunday liturgy. As the name suggests, The Holy City is a song that celebrates the sacred city of Jerusalem. The lyrics describe a vision of a city that is steeped in history and tradition, a city that is revered by many as both a holy and spiritual place. The opening lines set the tone for the entire piece, with the words "Last night I lay a-sleeping, there came a dream so fair," creating a sense of wonder and magic. Adams' music is beautifully crafted, with its sweeping melodies and uplifting rhythms. The song starts off slowly and softly, building gently towards a soaring climax that fills the listener with a sense of awe and wonder. As the words "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, lift up your gates and sing" are sung, the music swells to a majestic crescendo, carrying the listener along on a wave of emotion and inspiration. The lyrics of The Holy City are deeply symbolic, drawing on imagery and themes that are familiar to many religious traditions. The song speaks of the gates of Jerusalem being opened wide, and of a holy light shining down upon the city. It speaks of a time of joy and celebration, when people of all faiths will come together to worship and give thanks.
| 
