FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
APRIL 29, 2012
10:15 am Worship
JAZZ Worship: MASS IN BLUE
I am the good shepherd. I know my own
and My own know Me...
John 10:14.
The Scripture Lesson John 10: 11-18
WORSHIP NOTES
Welcome to worship on this, the Fourth Sunday After Easter. In the liturgical calendar, this is also known as "Good Shepherd Sunday." This morning, we have an opportunity to "know and hear" the voice of the Shepherd as proclaimed through the musical idiom of Jazz. Jazz is truly an American musical form with roots that can be traced back to both African and European origins. Although it is nearly impossible to create a singular definition of jazz that encompasses all its many styles, jazz is often characterized by syncopated rhythms, opportunities for improvisation by virtuoso musicians, and a certain restlessness between melody and harmony
Our order of worship this morning is largely unaltered from the traditional form used by the Presbyterian Church (USA). However, elements of the liturgy will incorporate the movements from Mass in Blue, a jazz setting of the Latin mass by British composer, Will Todd (b. 1970). A pianist by training, and a composer since age 7, Will Todd has won critical acclaim for this energetic jazz work, which has been performed more than 100 times since it was commissioned in 2003. This setting of the mass contains elements of blues, soul, and swing.
In describing his musical vision, Will Todd says:
"If I had free choice of how I spent my musical time, I'd run a jazz club in a cathedral with gigs on Friday and Saturday nights, vibrant ecumenical and cross-faith worship on Sundays and big choral concerts as often as possible - featuring the best professionals alongside community and youth choirs. There would be opera and music theatre as well - electric guitars, drums, timpani and brass sections blending and riffing with the massive sound of the organ, smashing together the blues, Celtic song, modal melodies, sumptuous gospel harmonies and big atonal chords. ANYONE and EVERYONE would be welcome and that would be HEAVEN."
It is Todd's enthusiasm for music and the sacred that shines through in this Mass in Blue. Although set in a mass form, the six movements are derived from passages that have also found a home in our protestant tradition. For example, the "credo" movement is based on the text of the Apostles' Creed. In worship this morning, we hope to enliven our understanding of the Reformed worship tradition by enabling us to "know and hear" the voice of God, which is alive in our liturgy each week.
This worship service will be used in similar form at both Covenant Presbyterian (8:30am) and at Westminster Presbyterian (10:15am). We are pleased to collaborate with our choir colleagues in Christ for this special service of worship on Good Shepherd Sunday.
