Of Song & Psalm

How delightful it was to discover Deo Cantamus' youtube channel, and even more so to see they had uploaded videos of How Sweet the Sound! Of course, my quest was for Psalm 149, and I was overjoyed to find it there - all 11 minutes of it!  I've already played it through several times, and I just have to share it with you....

How Sweet the Sound

Indeed, how very sweet the sound was tonight's performance by Deo Cantamus.... absolutely magnificent!  In fact, I'm not so sure there's an adjective that could describe just how beautiful the concert was.  Singing, instrumentals... and handbells!

The highlight of the night for me definitely was the world premiere performance of Psalm 149.  I've previously mentioned my interest being piqued, especially when I saw the text for the composition:

Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song,

and his praise in the congregation of saints.

Let Israel rejoice in him that made him:

let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.

Let them praise his name in the dance:

let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people:

he will beautify the meek with salvation.

Let the saints be joyful in glory:

let them sing aloud upon their beds.

Let the high praises of God be in their mouth,

and a twoedged sword in their hand;

To execute vengeance upon the heathen,

and punishments upon the people;

To bind their kings with chains,

and their nobles with fetters of iron;

To execute upon them the judgment written:

this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalm 149

Just how would the Mr. Joshua Bauder piece together the arrangement for a psalm of praise-turned-judgment?  The proper balance would be imperative.  I found myself wondering whether it would have an understated, simplistic melody, which would certainly be the easier method, or something more extravagant.  I had weeks to ponder this, and even so, there is no way I could possibly have come close to imagining something so beautiful or so reverent.  It was marvelous.  The chorale, a soloist, an organ, several stringed instruments, and handbells blended together in this truly special piece.  Sincere, lovely praise with a powerful climax, culminating with a strong refrain (for lack of the appropriate word) of "Praise ye the Lord" before quietly, peacefully fading away.

Another thing of note is that both Kimball and Steve were among the chorale members.  Steve even had a solo part in the song Amazing Grace.

There is no possible way to walk away feeling disappointed in my time there.  The fellowship afterward was also sweet, but there's nothing on earth that surpasses praising and worshipping the Saviour.

A Sound So Sweet

I am greatly anticipating the Deo Cantamus autumn performance at Fourth Baptist Church of Plymouth, Minnesota!  "How Sweet the Sound" is open to the public for its one-night presentation on October 23, 2010 at 7 pm!

Deo Cantamus isn't truly affiliated to WCTS.  However, you could say there is some connection... sort of.  In the past, both Kimball Cummings and Steve Davis have been in the chorale, and while I don't know for sure, I think they will be in this upcoming performance as well.  Also, it will be held at the same locale as the station studios since WCTS, Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Fourth Baptist Church & its Christian School are housed in the same building.

I had the privilege of interacting some with the Dr. Bauder, who is the president of Central Seminary, and his wife during the Sharathon.  In one of our conversations, Mrs. Bauder mentioned that their son has composed one of the numbers that will be performed!  My interest is piqued, and I'm looking forward to hearing it.

In years past, the musicale has been a wonderful experience, filled with songs of worship & praise to our Lord.  Each performance is unique, and I have high expectations for "How Sweet the Sound."  I'm sure it will not disappoint.

Praise ye the LORD.

Sing unto the LORD a new song,

and his praise in the congregation of saints.

~ Psalm 149:1 ~