The Classical
symphony is a large-scale, four-movement orchestral piece with a conductor.
Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) is the father of the symphony. A symphony
orchestra is composed of strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Instrumentalists
must be faithful to the entire musical score neither adding nor deleting any
part of it lest it be distorted. All assembled in the concert hall have come to
enjoy beautiful music.
Each instrument of
the orchestra has its own voice but plays in harmony with the whole. Despite
the size or power of an instrumental section no one group is in power over the
others. Each needs the other because no one group provides the full meaning of
the composition.
When each instrumentalist knows his part and plays it to
their best, something fantastic is produced and everyone is blessed- both instrumentalists
and hearers.
The mission of the symphony orchestra is to attract and persuade the audience
by the beauty of its musical expression. The lifeless orchestra that ceases to
attract audiences dies.
A symphony orchestra
is made distinctive by its conductor, who, though part of the orchestra, acts
primarily as its public face and official spokesperson. As the symbol of the
orchestra’s structure and stability, conductors lead, direct, govern, and
coordinate the orchestra. Yet, their role is not absolute.Conductors are
masters of the repertory. Whereas the instrumentalists master their parts, the
conductor functions like a director of traffic not only learning the entire map
of the musical highway but also dealing with the interrelationships of sections
to whole. The orchestra looks to the maestro for direction to make beautiful music.
Conductors interpret
the score according to the composer’s intent. Wise and strong conductors
consult with their instrumentalists. Here, consulting means not soliciting an
opinion but a fact, as one consults another for the time of day. In the final analysis,
all breathe together as one with the maestro's interpretation as the final
word.Conflicts must be
resolved with due respect for each instrumentalist. Still, orchestral unity
rests not with the individual sections but with the maestro. The conductor
leaves his imprint on the orchestra’s reputation thus separating his orchestra
from all others. Arturo Toscanini and George Szell come to mind.
Composers use the
individual instruments for an array of colors to bring out the fullness of the
piece. The string section, of itself a hierarchical unity, forms the backbone
of the orchestra. It is the most homogeneous group of the entire orchestra
having the same family identity. From small to large, they share in the same
sonority. Still, they need other instrumental families for contrast, variety,
and depth. Each of the woodwinds offers contrasting colors; the brass, strength
brilliance, and intensity, and finally, the percussion section, drama and
surprise.
The
mission of the Church, like the symphony orchestra, is primarily one of service
to and for others. The First Violinist (the Pastor)
sets the tone by playing the first notes and getting the whole assembly in
tune. The Conductor (Christ) chooses the score, sets the orchestra in
motion, determines the timing, and brings the concert to a close. The
members of the orchestra (church members) each have their own part to play.
Some instruments (members) bear the heaviest burden by having to play during
the entire piece. Others simply play from time to time, adding their
musical voices to the whole adding fullness and beauty. Still others only
have a single note or measure to play before their contribution ends.
Every member of the
Body of Christ either builds it up or tears it down. Despite the distinctions
of ministry, no one group lords it over the others. Each church member needs
the other because the full meaning of the Body of Christ is in its uniqueness. The
diversity of the Body of Christ is shaped by every country’s historical and
cultural conditioning.
Since our gifts vary depending on the grace poured
out on each of us, it is important
that we exercise the gifts we
have been given. If prophecy is your gift, then speak as a prophet
according to your proportion of faith. If service is your gift,
then serve well. If teaching is your gift, then teach well. If you have been
given a voice of encouragement, then use it often. If giving is your gift, then be generous. If leading,
then be eager to get started. If sharing God’s mercy, then be cheerful in
sharing it. (Romans 12:6-8, VOICE)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“Franz Joseph Haydn
Biography” by Biography
·
“The Church as a Symphony
Orchestra” By Joan L. Roccasalvo
·
“The Church is Like an Orchestra…” by Zwinglius Redivivus
This post was inspired by the Brass Band of Columbus at "Tuesdays at Trinity" (Capital University) on July 18, 2019.
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