About Church Music
The Playing of the Merry Organ...
Music played before and after the services on the
63-rank Austin Pipe Organ is chosen for spiritual reflection, or as
accents for special holidays.
For Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, Advent, and Lent,
the organ music reflects the tone of the occasion, often involving
re-creations of very old organ music as new, refreshing updated
settings.
Pieces chosen for the conclusion of the service give
the visitor a chance to hear the Austin Pipe Organ at its best.
Included in the repertoire are brilliant showpieces by Widor, Gigout,
Durufle, Vierne, Mendelssohn, Brahms, Johnson, Lang, Titcomb, Howells,
and certainly J.S. Bach and his relatives.
Some of the world's most distinguished organ and choral
professionals have been invited to play recitals at St. John's on the
63-rank Austin Pipe Organ. The roster includes Simon Preston (formerly
Westminster Abbey), John Scott (St. Paul's Cathedral, London, now at
New York's St. Thomas Church), Marvin Mills, Thomas Murray, Judith
Hancock (St. Thomas, NYC), Christopher Herrick ( Hyperion recording
artist), Wilma Jensen, Marilyn Keiser, Frederick Swann (formerly at
Crystal Cathedral, CA and Riverside Church, NYC), Thomas Trotter
(England), Christopher Deamley (St. Paul's Cathedral, London), David
Briggs (Gloucester Cathedral, England), Richard Tanner (Blackburn
Cathedral, England) and Frederick Hohman(Midnight Pipes and Pro
Organo). Additionally, composers such as Andrew Clarke and Byron Adams
have been commissioned to create works for St. John's.
Lift up your Voice in Song...
The History of Hymnody is in many respects the history
of the Church, itself, in worship and especially its sacred poetry.
Many of the hymns we know and enjoy singing have their roots in ancient
church music from the Judeo-Christian and early manuscripts from other
religions and nationalities. The Hymnal is inclusive of race,
nationality, time, and religion. When we praise God, we become aware of
the unity, which underlies our differences. The Hymnal is also a chain
of praise throughout the ages.
The Hymns are chosen to connect with the readings,
scripture, and the text idea of the sermon. Extra thought is given to
selecting a Hymn that the congregation enjoys singing. During Holy
Eucharist, Hymns are included along with special Anglican chants and
motets sung by the Choir.