Sacred Music

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZ_L5anvJ2U
As much as I love rock & roll, there are a few works of sacred chorale music that move me more than anything else. One of these is John Rutter's Requiem, especially his rendition of the 23rd Psalm. The melody is introduced by the oboe; I picture the Good Shepherd playing a wooden flute to reassure His flock. The harp provides a counter-melody, and I'm reminded of how King David was first a lowly shepherd. Jesus calls me not just to follow Him, but to learn His ways and to lead others into His family.

Rutter structures the climax around the final verse: "And I will dwell in the house..." (the tenors stretch themselves up to a high G), and the choir repeats the phrase "in the house," and Rutter give the tenors one more run at this incomprehensible truth as he allows the rest of the singers to complete the verse: "in the house of the LORD forever." The oboe repeats the melody (Jesus calls us to follow), and the choir emphasizes that this is an eternal invitation: "Forever."

Play this link through some good speakers or headphones. It brings me to tears nearly every time I listen.

Created over 2 years ago