Congregational song, based on Reformed-Calvinistic principles
Abstract
That congregational song is not only a vital aspect of worship, but also one
whose standards must be in keeping with the other main aspects of worship,
should now be clear. The principles of Excellence, Suitability and Humility,
when simultaneously applied, form a solid Reformed-Calvinistic basis on which
to ground an evaluation of the music involved in congregational song. And while
not every musical element or aspect has been dealt with in a complete way, the
main musical elements of melody, harmony and rhythm, together with the lesser
elements which form them, have been discussed in relation to their role and
significance in congregational song, and a workable set of norms or guidelines,
as shown also by the accompanying examples, has been formulated by which to evaluate
those elements. This is the most important aspect of this dissertation
- that useable norms can be formulated for the evaluation of the music of congregational
song. And, while the text itself was discussed only to a lesser
extent as were, of necessity, the various relations between text, melody and
harmony, the impact and influence of these and other general aspects was also
discussed, and methods or guidelines given on which to base an evaluation of
that influence and the resulting strengths or weaknesses. Thus, it was shown
that it is possible, as well as necessary, to produce a concrete and truly musical
evaluation of the music involved in congregational song.
One final fact must be stressed. All of the norms posited in this dissertation
are aimed at producing the most excellent music for congregational song . That
is, a musical ideal is posited. Naturally, the ideal itself is rarely attained,
but much music can approximate this ideal. In this type of evaluation, there
is always some subjective aspect, and each church, denomination, committee, and
so on, concerned with an evaluation of congregational song must set its own
standards to determine pricesely which music comes close enough to the ideal,
and which music does not. However, above all, the basic teachings and standards
of the church must never be lowered or compromised in relation to its music.
The music of congregational song must serve in an honest and worthy manner.