Recommended DVD Recording

I have recently watched Part 1 of a most famous oratorio by a most famous and auspicious composer, conducted by a famous conductor. The recording so far is marvelous, the music superlative, and the performance splendid. What is the work and who are the artists, you ask? The work in question is Messiah by Georg Frideric Handel, and the conductor is Stephen Cleobury leading the choir of King's College at the historic Pieterskerk in Leiden, Holland.

There is so much to like about this recording. After I have watched the entire work I will have more to say. For now, be assured that the setting is stunning, and the performance beautiful. I highly commend it to you.

Evangelicals Do the Right Thing

At the link below you will find an article which describes a new document adopted by the National Association of Evangelicals. The document expresses opposition to the Bush administration policy on torture and is based on the work of numerous evangelical scholars.

This document is further proof that the evangelical movement is no longer walking in lockstep with the current occupant of the White House. Although the effect on musicians may not be immediately apparent, it is clear that any stepping away from hard-right policies represents an opening for persons interested in the development of Christian souls through the arts. To explain this would take more time than I now have. However, over the course of the coming weeks I hope to give evidence for this assertion. At the same time, I believe events will demonstrate how the loosening of the grip of this administration and its previous backers upon the American psyche will indeed encourage a certain new creative energy, an energy which will prove fruitful for the American and world church.


http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/031507G.shtml

The Current Need

The emergent need of the present moment is for those in the church to take a stand. This includes very much church musicians. My research indicates there has been a planned effort to undermine the American democratic and republican government. (The un-capitalized words are intentional here.) Not completely unlike the early days of the Hitler regime in the 1930s, these days demand each person to take a stand. Will we in the church acquiesce in the attack upon fundamental American institutions or will we take a stand? Will we self-censor while music and theology are "dumbed down" or will we stand up in opposition? As the days go by, I plan to give evidence for the assertion that the American executive is essentially fascist in nature. To many, this will not be news at all. To others it will be surprising. To a few it will cause enragement. In any event, this web log will seek to be scholarly, but not pedantic, sober but not passionless, useful but not merely utilitarian.

Thus, onward toward enlightenment and hope.