In my last semester of theology school, I sat in a seminar between a Dominican deacon brother and Latin whiz who made a special point of showing up to my final exams to encourage me, and another Dominican deacon brother who wrote this important article, and the three of us competed with a very well-educated priest of the Diocese of Moscow. It was a terrifically enjoyable class, a dozen or so disciplined and smart characters working on ressourcement Thomism.
The Latin whiz, now a priest, sings in this interesting video, featuring a mystical hymn written by George Herbert and Ralph Vaughan Williams, two Anglicans, and set in New York City.
Having personally known Fr.’s kindness in many ways, it’s nice to see him expressing in music some of the spirituality that underlies his many fine qualities.
Love it! The presence of God, the love of God, in all places.
It is as St. Margaret Mary says,
"I ever possess, and take with me everywhere, the God of my heart and the Heart of my God."
Thanks so much for this – it was wonderful! I've loved this hymn since I first stumbled on it in the OCP music issue years ago. Sadly, they no longer include it.
While I mostly agree with you about the arrangement, I do like the treatment of the final "joys." What do you think?
About the impetus for the video–I suppose it is a piece of art, incorporating the hymn, but not limited to it.
One of the aspects of the Dominican life which I feel was probably part of the original conception but gradually may have been lost in the editing was the sheer amount of walking that Dominicans do, because of their call to be itinerant preachers. A lot of the still shots, if you look closely, are actually walking shots, or otherwise recall travelling. What do you think about when you are walking or travelling to your ministry? Hopefully, a Dominican remembers Christ, who also travelled.
Actually, I regard the video as I said as a noble enterprise and a lovely pastiche. The scenes in Grand Central tho' reminded me of the incredible waltz scene in Terry Gilliam's amazing flim "The Fisher King," for all of the cognitive dissonance. Brilliant.
I actually had no beef with the new age piano, but I think Father should study Philip Aaberg's discography for masterful arranging in a new age style. I thought the violin obligato was silly and unnecessary. Playing the melody, fine. Little stacatto burps between phrases, just weird.
The young friar seems like a lovely gentleman.
Your friend must be a very sensitive man to see God as he walks amidst that frenetic mass of humanity all poured onto that tiny island. Thank you for giving an exquisite pause to my frenetic day.
Well sir, there is no accounting for taste!
I started out all indignant at your comment but then I changed my mind – there are lots of remakes of songs that make my teeth ache. I won't be a hypocrite and criticize you for not liking this one.
I think this video is perfect in every way – the piano, the violin, the settings and especially the voice. Yeah, it took a bit of listening to get used to the rhythm, but now it's familiar and I think it is marvelous! 🙂
I must part company from my brother Charles and align more with Kathy on this one. I'm familiar with both Mr Winston and Mr Aaberg, but I know Fr Robert Koopmann personally and have experienced his music firsthand. If he has 20th century roots in his tastes, it's most definitely in classical composers. It's probably not the way I would arrange for piano, violin and voice, but I enjoyed it very much beyond the level of entertainment.
This video strikes me as excellent, and even better, as evangelical.
Todd
Not a problem, Jan, I'm quite used to indignation coming my way from posts. Just ask our thread host.