Singability: Complex but Worth It
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STLT#196, Singer of Life
Of the many metaphors we use for the Divine, I think Singer of Life is my favorite. This metaphor taps into something we know about the earth, that it has its own vibrational hum…and when you add all of the living things that have their own hums (and voices and chirps and growls and sighs),… Continue reading
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STLT#177, Sakura
I had the opportunity to sing this once, as a solo, to commemorate Hiroshima Day. While set on a pentatonic scale, it is in what musicologists call Phrygian Dominant Minor Mode – which is another term for “very unfamiliar but striking intervals that are at once difficult and haunting.” It was not easy for me to… Continue reading
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STLT#176, Daya Kar Daan Bhakti Ka
I suspect most of us have flipped past this a thousand times. I suspect the combination of Hindi language, no translation, and fear of the unfamiliar keeps us away. And it’s too bad. Because not only is this a beautiful lyric, but it’s a beautiful and catchy melody. Take a listen: Isn’t that great? It’s… Continue reading
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STLT#84, How Far Can Reach a Smile?
I remember in the mid 2000s, Rev. Linda Hoddy, who was my home congregation’s minister, asked me to learn this as a solo. I remember at the time thinking how wonky the rhythms were and marveling that such an odd piece of music would be in the hymnal at all. Linda agreed that this was not something… Continue reading
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STLT#50, When Darkness Nears
An ode to the space between. When darkness nears and embers die, the wind in trees a distant sigh, the end of day like a lover’s voice nearby. The night draws close, a fond embrace; the heart then slows its frantic pace, and fear drifts off as a calm breath takes its place. The cradle… Continue reading
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STLT#33, Sovereign and Transforming Grace
A post that is hardly about this hymn at all, but it’s fine. Sovereign and transforming Grace, we invoke your quickening power; reign the spirit of this place, bless the purpose of this hour. Holy and creative Light, we invoke your kindling ray; draw upon our spirit’s night, as the darkness turns to day. To… Continue reading
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links
Learn more about my ministry at The Art of Meaning
Read my thoughts about congregational life at Hold My Chalice
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