God’s Gift of Music

A valuable collection of biographiesRecently 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 🙂 ).

To play without passion is inexcusable! - BeethovenI 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:
Chopin - the poet of the piano1. 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)

A phenomenon like Mozart remains an inexplicable thing - GoetheAs 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, One of the most significant instruments in historyall 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

  1. Donald September 5, 2007 at 4:35 pm #

    Great concluding statement Daniel. It comes too naturally for me to complain about the tide of wicked music in our day. It was very refreshing to remember that music is God’s gift and realize how strong good music still is. Right now I have two examples. One came last night. I found myself actually enjoying my grocery shopping because of the melodious background music. Then here this morning the increasingly familiar chimes of a classic piece sounded from the school to begin another school day. How steadily and royally it sounded out! Truly God is not the Author of confusion but of peace. As you seek Him in music may He be found.

  2. The Author September 5, 2007 at 5:38 pm #

    Who is your favorite composer?

  3. Robert September 5, 2007 at 9:04 pm #

    Amen, Daniel! Music can communicate the glory, beauty, and order of God to people of every language and nationality. I like your “Top 3” composer list. Very well chosen!

  4. Daniel September 6, 2007 at 7:20 am #

    Very true, Donald. I must admit, Robert, I was a bit relieved when I read your compliment. If I remember correctly, I think we’d had a not dispassionate discussion on that topic before. I am glad we concur. 🙂

  5. Esther September 6, 2007 at 4:47 pm #

    Vivaldi is a favorite of mine. His masterful works never fail to brighten my day. Playing his Concerto in A Minor with the Buckhannon Chamber Orchestra was exhilarating! I really like Tchaikovsky too.
    I’m glad I was around while you were working on this study so I could ask questions and pick up on some of it! I could tell you learned so much. I’d love to evaluate and come up with a favorites list too. 🙂

  6. James September 7, 2007 at 3:08 pm #

    Serve the Lord with gladness and come before His presence with singing!

  7. David September 8, 2007 at 11:39 am #

    I like Tchaikovsky too, Esther! His Nutcracker Suite is one of my favorites. Other pieces I really like are Fur Elise, Clair de Lune, and the first movement of the Moonlight Sonata.

    Since you’re my roommate, Daniel, I’ve enjoyed hearing about all the different composers as we get ready for bed at night.

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