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.