Dear Editor,
Many thanks to Derek Bigg for his article ‘The songs we sing’ (August EN). I hope many who choose, play or write songs for corporate worship will have read and learnt from it.
I particularly appreciate his reminder that ‘tunes should fit the mood of the words’ – and this is true also of volume. Surely it’s inappropriate to belt out at top volume a song about the crucifixion? Being an older member of a generally young congregation I aim to be gracious when the music is, in my view, too loud, knowing that today’s generation enjoys loud music more than I do. But what has happened to quietness, gentleness or thoughtfulness as we sing?
This year I joined Purple Cats Community Choir, (you may have guessed, it’s not a church-based choir), and here I have rediscovered the joys of singing in harmony. I have read that harmony touches us so deeply as it reflects the character of our three-in-one God – how sad that it seems to be almost lost in non-conformist churches. May I encourage our excellent modern song-writers to include harmonies which will enrich our singing and help us all the more to glorify our wonderful God when we sing together.
Yours,
