Thursday, November 1, 2012

Hearing Classical Music in a Bar that used to be a Church

Katie and had the great opportunity to see the band Gungor play live a couple weeks back.  It was an incredible show: the songs are epic, the dynamics of the music were huge, the hearts of band members are clearly focused on God and the unified celebration of everyone there was a sweet picture of eternity.

But, oddly enough, the moment that has been on my mind and I have most often shared with friends when they asked how the show went was this:

The lights went down on stage and then came back up.  All that was left was Michael Gungor with a classical guitar doing some strange stretching exercises.  We soon found out why.  In the course of mere moments, the whole rock club was silenced and transfixed on one man on the stage quietly and brilliantly playing a solo classical piece.  No light shows or pyrotechnics, no gimmicks, just a talented artist playing a song demonstrating excellence, beauty, and order.

In that moment, we were in a 120 year old church, turned into a bar, watching a man, who clearly loves God, play a 300 year old movement of classical music, originally written by the beloved composer, who famously stated that "The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.".

And as Michael finished the piece, there was a hushed silence in room.  With a slight smirk but a genuine love, he simply states "Bach just doesn't get enough stage time these days."

To the glory of God and refreshment of the soul, indeed.

-Michael


Can music and art truly point to the glory of God while not using specific words to say it?  What are  examples you've had with experiencing the presence of God through instrumental music?

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