“Music doesn’t just befriend epiphanies, music elicits them, it stirs them into being.”

by Pastor Bruce Benson, host

Grand Music

Gracious Word

Sing For Joy® is a production of St. Olaf College.

This year, the entire month of February falls within the church season of Epiphany.

Ash Wednesday and Lent won’t arrive until March. And while the Epiphany season often has a kind of “neither here nor there” feel to it, (we often think of it as just that transition season between Christmas and Lent) there is something about it that is friendly to music. And that “something” is the nature or character of epiphany itself.

An epiphany — whether one thinks of it as manifestation, revelation, inspiration, or illumination — is something more than rational. By that, I do not mean irrational. I mean supra-rational or just plain non-rational. In other words, something in addition to mere rationality is involved. Epiphanies don’t have the ordinary sensation of learning something new, they have the stirring experience of discovering something new. That’s what makes them music-friendly.

Consider the Church’s defi nitive story of Epiphany, the story of the Magi. According to Matthew’s gospel, when the Magi arrived in Bethlehem they didn’t just learn some new information about Jesus, they discovered something that suddenly seemed more important even than obeying Herod the Great. They thumbed their noses at Herod, and went home “by another road.” That is exactly what epiphanies do: lead one to take another road. Matthew’s gospel says nothing about music, but there are musical expressions in English that fi t the situation. After their visit to Bethlehem, the Magi went home, one could say, “following the beat of a different drummer,” or “singing a whole different tune.”

Music is epiphany-friendly. But it is more than that also. Music doesn’t just befriend epiphanies, music elicits them, it stirs them into being. You might have sung the hymn, When in Our Music God is Glorifi ed, by the

British hymn writer F. Pratt Green. Stanza two says this:

How often, making music, we have foundA new dimension in the world of sound,As worship moved us to a more profoundAlleluia.

Yes. The music opens us to a new understanding, an inspiration, an epiphany. Music is not about information sharing or data processing, yet it is about discovery, it is about epiphanies.

One of the chief characteristics of epiphanies is that they leave one feeling far more like a recipient than an achiever. We say we have epiphanies, not that we make them or even fi nd them. It is as if epiphanies fi nd us. The Magi did not have their epiphany in Jerusalem when stopped to ask for directions, and the high priests informed them that God’s Anointed One was to be born in Bethlehem of Judea. That was important information for them, but no epiphany. The epiphany came in the presence of the Holy Child. In Jerusalem they got only what they were asking for — in Bethlehem they got far more.

Epiphany is not a season, like Christmas or Easter, known for its great music. But it is a wonderfully musical season. I hope Sing For Joy helps you hear the song of Epiphany in all its grace. Peace be with you,

FEBRUARY 2014 / YEAR A

February 2, 2014Fourth Sunday after Epiphany — Lectionary 4, Year A

(1R) Micah 6:1–8(PS) Psalm 15(2R) 1 Corinthians 1:18–31(G) Matthew 5:1–12(P) Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord

Offertory – John Ness Beck (1R)The Carroll University Choir: Waukesha, Wisc. / Mark Aamot(CD) Refl ections of Europe / CARROLL UNIVERSITY / E-2187© Music Department, Carroll University carrollu.edu

The Beatitudes – Byzantine Chant (G)Choir of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine: New York, N.Y. / Richard Westenburg(CD) Christmas Eve at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine / VANGUARD CLASSICS / OVC 6013© 1991 Vanguard Classics, c/o Artemis Classics

The Beatitudes – Rev. Francis DeMarais (G)The Schola Cantorum of St. Peter the Apostle: Chicago, Ill. / J. Michael Thompson(CD) Music for the Year of Matthew / THE LITURGICAL PRESS / 7935-8© 1998 The Order of St. Benedict litpress.org

Nunc Dimittis – René Clausen (P)Massed Choirs of St. Olaf College; The St. Olaf Orchestra / Sigrid Johnson(CD) Where Peace and Love and Hope Abide / ST. OLAF RECORDS / E-3008/09© 2007 St. Olaf Records stolafrecords.com

Nunc Dimittis – Gustav Holst (P)The Choir of Clare College, Cambridge: England / Timothy Brown(CD) Illumina / COLLEGIUM / COLCD 125© 1999 Collegium Records, Naxos of America, Inc. collegium.co.uk

All Night Vigil: Now Let Thy Servant Depart (Op. 70) – Sergei Rachmaninov (P)Robert Shaw Festival Singers; Karl Dent, tenor / Robert Shaw(CD) Vespers (All Night Vigil) / TELARC / CD-80172© 1990 Telarc International Corporation telarc.com

“Music and light have much in common, neither can be held in the hand, both can fi ll the heart

with awe.” -Pastor Bruce Benson

February 9, 2014Fifth Sunday after Epiphany — Lectionary 5, Year A

(1R) Isaiah 58:1–9a [9b–12](PS) Psalm 112:1–9 [10](2R) 1 Corinthians 2:1–12 [13–16](G) Matthew 5:13–20

This Little Light of Mine – African American Spiritual,

arr. Paul J. Christiansen (G)The Concordia Choir: Moorhead, Minn. / René Clausen(CD) Folks Songs, Spirituals & Hymns / CONCORDIA MUSIC RECORDINGS / E-2052© Concordia College concordiarecordings.com

“Gloria et divitae” from Beatus Vir / Antonio Vivaldi (PS)Jennifer Smith & Isobel Buchanan, sopranos / English Chamber Orchestra / Stephen Cleobury(CD) Vivaldi Glorias / LONDON DECCA / 443 455-2© 1994 The Decca Record Company deccaclassics.com

Beatus Vir – Jean Langlais (PS)The Choir of St. John’s College: Cambridge, England / George Guest(CD) The Sounds of St. John’s / NIMBUS / NI 5335© 1992 Nimbus Records Limited wyastone.co.uk/nrl

True Light – Keith Hampton (G)St. Olaf Conference on Worship, Theology and the Arts Choir / Anton Armstrong(CD) CWTA: Feast of the Epiphany / PRIVATE RECORDING / NOT FOR RESALE© 2010 St. Olaf College stolaf.edu

Lord of Light (ABBOTT’S LEIGH) – Cyril V. Taylor, arr. John Ferguson (1R, G)Massed Choirs of St. Olaf College and The St. Olaf Orchestra / John Ferguson(CD) Child of Light be Born in Us / ST. OLAF RECORDS / E-2757/8© 2005 St. Olaf Records stolafrecords.com

February 16, 2014Sixth Sunday after Epiphany — Lectionary 6, Year A

(1R) Deuteronomy 30:15–20(PS) Psalm 119:1–8(2R) 1 Corinthians 3:1–9(G) Matthew 5:21–37(E) Season of Epiphany

Spirit of God Descend Upon My Heart (MORECAMBE) – Frederick C. Atkinson (G)The Riverton Singers: Winnipeg, Canada / William Baerg(CD) These Our Hymns / RIVERTON PRODUCTIONS / RP1200CD© Riverton Productions rivertonproductions.com

Lord Jesus, Think on Me (ST. PAUL’S) – John Stainer (G)The Choir of St. Paul’s Cathedral: London, England / Barry Rose(CD) Music for a Great Cathedral / GUILD / GMCD 7118© 1996 Guild Music, Ltd. guildmusic.com

Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive (EPWORTH) – Charles Wesley (G)Choir of Wakefi eld Cathedral: England / Jonathan Bielby(CD) The Complete New English Hymnal: Volume Eleven / PRIORY / PRCD 711© 2002 Priory Records Ltd. priory.org.uk

“Beati Quorum Via” from Three Motets, Op. 38 – Charles Villiers Stanford (PS)Voices of Ascension / Dennis Keene(CD) Hear My Prayer / DELOS / DE 3300© 2004 Delos International, Inc. delosmusic.com

Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling (SALISBURY) – Herbert Howells (2R)Saint Clement’s Choir: Philadelphia, Penn. / Peter Richard Conte

(CD) Hymns of Heaven and Earth / DORIAN / DOR-90259© 1998 Dorian Recordings, c/o Sono Luminus sonoluminus.com

Like the Murmer of the Dove’s Song (BRIDEGROOM) – Peter Cutts (2R)Hymn Society of the United States and Canada Conference Congregation(CD) …Into the Way of Peace / PRIVATE RECORDING / NOT FOR RESALE© 2009 The Hymn Society of The United States and Canada; St. Olaf College

All Creatures of Our God and King (LASST UNS ERFREUEN) – Geistliche Kirchengesänge, arr. John Rutter (E)Massed Choirs and Congregation & The St. Olaf Orchestra / Steven Amundson(CD) Heaven and Earth, Awake and Sing / ST. OLAF RECORDS / E-3504-05© 2013 St. Olaf Records stolafrecords.com

February 23, 2014Seventh Sunday after Epiphany — Lectionary 7, Year A

(1R) Leviticus 19:9–18(PS) Psalm 119:33–40(2R) 1 Corinthians 3:10–11, 16–23(G) Matthew 5:38–48

Christ is Made the Sure Foundation (WESTMINSTER ABBEY) – Henry Purcell, arr. Richard Marlow (2R)The Choir of Trinity College: Cambridge, England / Richard Marlow(CD) Descants from Trinity / CONIFER CLASSICS / 75605 51281 2© 1996 Conifer Records Limited gmn.com

The Church’s One Foundation (AURELIA) – Samuel Sebastian Wesley (2R)The Choir of Wells Cathedral: England / Malcolm Archer(CD) Jerusalem the Golden / HYPERION / CDP12102© 2001 Hyperion Records Limited hyperion-records.co.uk

Teach Me, O Lord – Thomas Attwood (PS)The Choir of St. Paul’s Cathedral: London, England / John Scott(CD) The English Anthem Volume 4 / HYPERION / CDA66678© 1997 Hyperion Records Limited hyperion-records.co.uk

Teach Me, O Lord – William Byrd (PS)Choir of Clare College: Cambridge, England / Timothy Brown(CD) Parish Anthems / GAMUT / GAMD 505© Gamut Records gamutrecords.com

Love Divine – Jonathan Bielby (G)St. Bartholomew’s Thursday Choir: New York City, N.Y. / Vincent H. Edwards(CD) “Sing in Exultation!” / PRO ORGANO / CD 7150© 2001 St. Bartholomew’s Church & Zarex Corporation proorgano.com

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (HYFRYDOL) – Rowland H. Pritchard, arr. John Rutter (G)The Cambridge Singers / John Rutter(CD) Sing, Ye Heavens / COLLEGIUM RECORDS / COLCD 126© 2000 Collegium Records collegium.co.uk

Thank you for your gifts!

In Memory Of:

Bicsey Family

John D. & Luann Bicsey, dad and daughter

my husband, C. Kingsley Brown

Gary Cantrell, our eight-year-old granddaughter’s daddy

The Rev. Dr. Harold G. Deal

Paul P. Dillard Jr.

Harold Elliott

Rev. Dr. Mark A. Frickey

Donald Habbestad

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Haugan

Pastor Jennifer Koenig

Jennifer Koenig, for her gracious ministry with our son Clayton

Rev. Wynn Oppegard

The Reverend and Mrs. Lester Peters

Matt Pooker, grandson

Jack Ralston: organist, composer, friend

Deanne Richardson

Earl Schendel, who passed on July 30, 2013

Elizabeth Schlenker

Mary Schroeder

Jane B. Shore

Hector and Naomi Skifter

my mother, Helen Sterrett, on 98th anniversary of her birth, Jan. 2, 1916

Carol Wehrkamp

Peter and Alice Wiersema

LISTENERS’ CORNER

Thanks to our generous listeners who helped us reach — and surpass — our recent fund drive goal with

a total of $15,700. Your contributions and kind words are a blessing.

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Sing For Joy staff :

W. Bruce Benson Host

John Ferguson Music Adviser

Jeffrey O’Donnell Producer and Music Director

Joshua Wyatt Associate Producer

Carolyn Pierson Communications Coordinator

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Visit singforjoy.org to fi nd out where you can hear Sing For Joy in your area. You can also listen to complete

programs online.FEBRUARY 2014 / YEAR A

Thank you for your gifts!

In Honor Of:

Pastor Steve Berkeland, on Christmas

Rev. Delmar & Zona Carlson

Cross of Christ Choir and their director

Ms. Marcia Duke

Phil Land

Lutheran Summer Music

Rev. Kimmy Meinecke, an Ole graduate

Gene Minnick

Jeff O’Donnell and Joshua Wyatt

my parents, John & Kathy Pelletier, with gratitude for my 9 years of piano lessons to become a music teacher and church organist

Mr. & Mrs. David Ratchford, on Christmas

Eldon Wold Jr.

(Memorials listed inside)