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God’s Gift of Music

posted by Daniel on 09/4/07

Recently I have been fascinated by the great composers and the music they produced. A while back Mom recommended I read an excellent book titled “The Gift of Music” which first introduced me to the lives of these great musicians from a Biblical perspective. I noticed that at the end of each chapter it had a list of recommended pieces to listen to for that particular composer, so I began searching on the internet for a way to listen to these and get a better understanding of each composer. Robert kindly introduced me to a splendid site he had found earlier which has a considerable selection of downloadable MP3’s of classical pieces (warning: however, this site is perfectly unreliable and the quality is only usually excellent, so if you ever decide to reference it be prepared to have your expectations slightly frustrated ).

I was astonished at the benefits of hearing and critiquing each composer’s music for myself. First of all, I learned to recognize the characteristics of the different musical periods and that of the great classical composers. It also helped me understand better what I had read or heard of them in the past. Often it contradicted with what I’d previously thought, so evaluating their music for myself clarified things and gave me a more concrete, personal opinion instead of relying on the conclusions of others. This is a very rewarding activity and one I recommend wholeheartedly.

From my experience so far, the top three composers on my humble list of favorites are:
1. Beethoven (mainly because of his many excellent piano sonatas, especially numbers 8, 14, 21, and 23 - not to mention his symphonies, piano concertos, and many other brilliant works)
2. Chopin (some favorites were: Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Fantaisie-Impromptu, Nocturne 19-op.72, and his 1st Piano Concerto, to name just a few)
3. Mozart (had an unbelievable output of consistently good pieces)

As you have assuredly guessed, my list is undoubtedly biased towards those great composers whose sole or favorite instrument was the piano. This is because I appreciate their music to a greater degree since this is the only instrument I have learned to play. I know there are many other favorites besides these. But at least this is a tentative beginning of a list which will most probably change as I learn more. What are your thoughts? More than ever before I am aware of how little I know, so I would gratefully welcome the suggestions and opinions of those of you who possess such greater erudition than I on this subject.

One of the outstanding principles I learned while going through Sound Foundations was that music will draw you towards its source. Music which portrays the character of God (possessing such attributes as orderliness, beauty, majesty, purpose, etc.) will glorify God and draw you closer to Him. Another concept they taught from Scripture was that God is a musical Being. Therefore, since this type of music is in harmony with His nature, all this recent research and study of “music appreciation” is not just a fun, godless hobby, but rather a fascinating learning experience on how to more skillfully glorify the Lord through music! This is especially exciting in a day when Satan is conducting an aggressive attempt to distort music and rob God of the glory due Him. God is searching for those who will use His gift of music for the purposes that He designed it for!

7 Comments » | posted in Tidbits

A Sound Foundation

posted by Daniel on 07/4/07

Ever since I sent in my application for Sound Foundations back in January, I had been earnestly looking forward to and preparing for my time there. However, a month or so before it started I was notified that they were having a severe shortage of applicants, even to the point that it could have possibly been cancelled! After getting a confirmation from the Lord that it was His will for me to go, I began praying that He would provide enough attendees for Sound Foundations to be hosted this year. I was so relieved when I received the confirmation reply that announced it would be held and that I had been accepted!

However, I was aware that my roommate and team mates would play a major role in my time and experience there, and all the teaching and planning could be for naught if God did not prepare our hearts to be an encouragement to each other. Therefore I was praying that God would go ahead of me and put just the right people on our team. Once again he blessed me with a clear answer to prayer! My roommate, Kenton Lanier, was a very Godly, mature young man. We had some great evening discussions (he had won a prize of Reesee’s Cups and Kit Kats that didn’t stay in their bag long - ) and we were able to work together on assignments really well which made things a lot easier. I was also grateful to the Lord for our mature team–things went so much better without a lot of foolish distractions.

Many classes were held throughout the three weeks, including music theory, music history, music evaluation, learning the basics of orchestration and conducting, and a special class by Loren Elms on how to write lyrics and a cooresponding melody. Many of the students said their favorite class was Choral Training, probably because of the fabulous conductor we had: Mr. Clark. He knew how to make singing fun! He even worked it out so that the choir was able to sing a few of our numbers at Colonial Hills Baptist Church.

Even though I enjoyed all of these different topics, I think my two favorite classes were the one on Hymn Improvisation and the Master Class. They both inspired me to greater heights of achievement on the piano as well as providing insights and tips on how to do so. I look forward to applying what I learned in these classes!

I am so grateful I was able to attend Sound Foundations this year. I learned a great deal, but most importantly a sound foundation in the Biblical principles of music was layed from which I will be free to launch future musical adventures!

8 Comments » | posted in Family News

What hospitality!

posted by Daniel on 04/27/07

It was with great anticipation and excitement that we loaded the car and left Thursday morning on a long-awaited visit to Virginia. Our final destination was the Potter’s home, and along the way we stopped at several parks, including the magnificent Cathedral State Park.

As soon as we arrived we were warmly greeted and made to feel at home in their big, roomy house. It took most of that first afternoon to catch up on all that had transpired since the last time, and before long we were all ready for a good night’s rest. The following day we were again grateful for this, after hours of touring Mount Vernon and viewing all there was to see there.

Another thing I’m sure all of us were thankful for was being greeted with a tasty spaghetti dinner upon our return. I don’t know if you have ever tried to cook for 18 people three times a day for an entire weekend, but I don’t believe many “comfortable” Americans would ever even consider it. However, Mrs. Potter and her “host of helpers” did a fabulous job.

Saturday morning everyone worked together moving a large rock pile in their backyard, and then relaxed for an evening of Cities and Knights of Catan. I learned they are accomplished experts at the game, so beware if you ever have the chance to play them. Even 7-year old Jewel came close to winning!

After an encouraging message spoken by Mr. Schupbach Sunday morning at the Potter’s home church, we said our farewells and headed out to the van. We were all sorry the trip had to end, but looked forward to seeing them again soon. We are very grateful for the hospitality shown by the entire Potter family and how they enabled us to experience the promise of I John 1:7 - “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another…”

2 Comments » | posted in Family News

Birthday Celebrations

posted by Daniel on 04/11/07

Since our family was planning to take a vacation to Virginia the weekend of Donald’s and my birthdays, we decided to celebrate them a week early. Throughout the day that we celebrated my birthday, a late and heavy snow drifted down outside, which added to the cozy atmosphere inside. Every one took time out of their normal routine to make the evening a special one - especially Donald, who put his art skills to work and produced a beautiful icing picture of a coyote.

Relatives and family were very generous, and I received several gifts. David and Donald had worked together making a homemade placemat with original art work on it, and an uncle sent an elaborate marble chess set. I was given a chess timer to go along with it, and we’re all looking to hours of strategy and excitement playing together. One of the funnest gifts was juggling clubs! I’ve got a little practice so far, but still have a long way to go. Jonathan and David are also catching on, and we can’t wait to work on a few tricks together.

Saturday night we all looked at albums after Donald’s party, and it was an excellent time to reminesce of past events and times together as a family. We all rejoiced at how God has continued to deepen our valuable relationships with him and each other over the years, and anticipate what he will accomplish through us in the upcoming year!

2 Comments » | posted in Art Work, Family News

A “New” Approach to Life!

posted by Daniel on 03/31/07

During the Wilkes’ stay at our house last weekend we watched the Advanced Seminar with them. It was a very encouraging time for both our families. The wealth of information presented by Dr. Gothard and several other speakers prompted many insightful discussions during the breaks between each video.

Donald and Dad put many hours into planning an efficient schedule and other logistical preparations, and as a result of their diligence the whole event ran surprisingly smoothly.