A Shift In Music

The opening hymn from the Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York this morning was Alleluia, Sing to Jesus. This is a glorious hymn that was sung by a magnificent choir accompanied by an excellent organist. I am a "sucker" for key changes in the verses of hymns. This morning, the choir sang three verses in one key. The organist provided a transitory interlude that raised the key for the final verse. Had I been standing, my knees would have buckled.

I first learned of the effect such key changes have on me many years ago. While attending Mass at St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere, WI, the incredibly gifted organist displayed amazing skills in improvisation and transposition. While we sang the same chorus and verse several times, the music provided by the organist was a bit different for each verse and chorus. Prior to the final verse and chorus, the organist played a few measures that led to us singing the hymn in a slightly higher key. I have never come across an organist that can play hymns like the canon that served as organist at St. Norbert Abbey.

By the good graces of God, situations developed several years later that led to that organist taking me under his wings. While I had some musical skill, he taught me how to make music as prayerful as possible during Mass. This is much more than playing the notes. It is knowing when to use expression while making music - when to play a bit louder, when to play softer, when to back off to let choir voices and/or instruments soar and when to really "open up the stops". He taught me so much. Even now, many people that hear me play will state that, while they have heard organists that are technically superior to me, there is something really prayerful about the way I play. That is the best compliment I receive.

The same lessons the good canon taught me about music apply to life. Sometimes, we need to change things. Maybe we need to do the same things, but from a slightly different perspective. Sometimes, we need to recognize that it might be best to "tip-toe" our way through a situation. Other situations might be best handled if we are a "bull in a china shop".

Make it a point to recognize the wonderful mentors we have in our lives and make it a point to be a mentor to others.