Liturgical performance

As a conductor and a singer, I have always been attracted to liturgical music. There is something special about singing “functional” music — when the singing is there to facilitate or accompany an act of worship. The music exists, in this case, not for itself, nor for the purposes of an individual listener, but rather for the community fully oriented toward God. Nor does this singing preclude the possibility that an individual may experience deep emotional and spiritual involvement. It simply isn’t the purpose of the music.

In this context, I find it fascinating to enjoy two very different performances of the same piece: Pavel Chesnekov’s setting of Psalm 140/141, “Let my prayer aris.” They are both beautiful renditions, even stunningly so. Although neither is sung during a liturgy, it is interesting to notice contrasting modes of performance, one directed toward the audience, and the other seemingly independent from it.

Try listening to them both. They are well worth your time!

Justin Appel

Music Director