Music Appropriate For Lent, Preventing a faux pas. Options

[mel2]

Rather than hi-jack the Difficult Music thread, could I ask if I am likely to offend sensibilities by trying out some exam music on the congregation?

This is a penitential season and it may be that they would consider it an ordeal to listen to me but it would be a help to perform this stuff in advance of the exam, to be taken in just a few weeks from now. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif)

Only one piece is Bach but it is apparently played at Christmas, although I can't think of anyone who is likely to rumble this fact.

So - should I present the stuff or must I sit on it until a more suitable season?

[Swell Box]

Rather than hi-jack the Difficult Music thread, could I ask if I am likely to offend sensibilities by trying out some exam music on the congregation?

This is a penitential season and it may be that they would consider it an ordeal to listen to me but it would be a help to perform this stuff in advance of the exam, to be taken in just a few weeks from now. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif)

Only one piece is Bach but it is apparently played at Christmas, although I can't think of anyone who is likely to rumble this fact.

So - should I present the stuff or must I sit on it until a more suitable season?

Tell us more? I assume you are thinking of closing voluntaries?

You don't need me to tell you that a 'voluntary' is customarily left to the discretion of the organist, but it should be chosen and played appropriately, (or should I say, should not be chosen or played inappropriately). And it goes without saying that it should be well rehearsed.

(Did you know that in addition to not singing or saying the Gloria in Lent, hymns containing the word 'Alleluia' should also be avoided?)

I think it depends a lot on the church and it's congregation. If they are 'high brow' they may well spot that the music is being played 'out of season'. But if they just like a good tune it's probably down to your choice.

Lent is indeed a penitential season, and the church will almost certainly be stripped bare of flowers and decorations; but Sundays in Lent are still Feast days, so a little musical jollity need not be deemed entirely inappropriate.

SB

[Holz Gedeckt]

I think it depends a lot on the church and it's congregation. If they are 'high brow' they may well spot that the music is being played 'out of season'. But if they just like a good tune it's probably down to your choice.

Lent is indeed a penitential season, and the church will almost certainly be stripped bare of flowers and decorations; but Sundays in Lent are still Feast days, so a little musical jollity need not be deemed entirely inappropriate.

Agreed. Most congregations are unlikely to spot it, although a chorale prelude on 'In Dulci Jubilo' might not be such a good idea....

Anyhow, as SB points out, Sundays are excluded from the 40 days of Lent.

[mel2]

Anyhow, as SB points out, Sundays are excluded from the 40 days of Lent.

Oh good. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

It's just that some people absolutely LOVE to be offended and there is nothing like organised religion to contain traps for the unwary. I would not wish to slide something playful past the Faithful, but I have some Bach and Stanford so I might just try one of those and then make a quick escape out of the back door.

I think I shall risk it because I need performance practice with these things.

[fsharpminor]

(Did you know that in addition to not singing or saying the Gloria in Lent, hymns containing the word 'Alleluia' should also be avoided?)

Yes I forgot that once ! One of my favourite postludes is Gordon Slaters 'An Easter Alleluia', though I regard it as a Prelude/Fantasia on 'St Francis - Lasst uns Erfreuen' Makes a great Postlude for Easter Day though. Oh and I did it for Grade 8 in 1964 !

[mel2]

It's a minefield! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

People are apt to get up and walk out (I am thinking of a Church Times column from a couple of weeks ago where the respondent was outraged by the exposition in a sermon; although he did concede that it was possible to miss the later deconstruction of the point) although I would be blissfully unaware of this unless fruit was flung.

Perhaps the majority don't really give a hoot, and just enjoy the music. Can't think why Sundays are excepted though; after all, the ordeal in the desert was not relieved by a weekend off as far as I am aware.

[maggiemay]

Mmm *nods* and I seem to remember we don't have organ voluntaries in Lent at all.
(although we are very traditional and may not be typical). (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Mothering Sunday tends to be a bit lighter in spirit - before the solemnity of Passiontide. March 22 this year.

[hello_cello]

Are there any restrictions on what organists play in Holy Week? I know bell-ringingers aren't allowed to practice, nor ring at services! (although that maybe to not ruin the neighbours first week of their easter holidays!) Whether that includes easter sunday or not, im not sure.

[Swell Box]

Are there any restrictions on what organists play in Holy Week? I know bell-ringingers aren't allowed to practice, nor ring at services! (although that maybe to not ruin the neighbours first week of their easter holidays!) Whether that includes easter sunday or not, im not sure.

Definitely not! Easter is a major celebration, so the bells should be rung in earnest!

To be honest I did not know that bells should not be rung during holy week, but then we wouldn't usually have any reason to do so. (I'm sure I can remember ringing for the service one Maundy Thursday evening, but I could be wrong). (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif)

Otherwise, the only rules that I know of are that bells must be rung half-muffled on Remembrance Sunday, and on the death of members if the Royal Family, apart from the death of a Monarch; in which case the bells must be rung fully muffled.

Oh, and the bells must not be rung during wartime except to warn of invasion, but that was a little before my time! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

SB

[hello_cello]

and even in wartime, they had to be rung in back rounds (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)
in some villages, its still said that if they ring backrounds over and over, theres an invasion, haha. Id have thought that good friday ringing would be allowed, halfmuffled with the tenor open. Hmm im not sure. Im skiing that week anyway, so it doesnt really matter
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)
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[Swell Box]

and even in wartime, they had to be rung in back rounds (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)
in some villages, its still said that if they ring backrounds over and over, theres an invasion, haha. Id have thought that good friday ringing would be allowed, halfmuffled with the tenor open. Hmm im not sure. Im skiing that week anyway, so it doesnt really matter
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)
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I'll have to try that the next time I'm calling. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Mind you, we still have some of our road signs missing from the war. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

SB

[hello_cello]

Haha, im going to try it tonight at practice and see if our villagers evacuate (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[Susie]

apart from the death of a Monarch; in which case the bells must be rung fully muffled.

SB

Not being a bell-ringer, and diverting the thread somewhat, ringing bells fully muffled seems to be a contradiction in terms. No doubt some-one could briefly enlighten me (and then I'll let the thread get back on topic). (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[hello_cello]

It means there is a piece of leather put around the clapper of the bell, so when it stikes instead of a 'ding' its more of a booming sound, very haunting.

[andante_in_c]

Half-muffled ringing can be heard here.