The Holy Spirit has been moving / inspiring
people, in all languages to compose, perform and sing music
which praises the Lord for who He is, and the Gospel of Jesus
Christ since the resurrection of Jesus. This unique collection
of spiritually inspiring, heart-felt classical Christian music
/ songs of faith which have encouraged people toward faith,
encouraging their Christian walk with the Lord, treats the listener
to the compositions or arrangements of Hugo Wolf, Maurice Ravel,
Francis Poulenc, Gabriel Fauré, John Carter and two of the most
important American composers in the 20th century, Aaron Copland
and Charles Ives.
All these gems of Christian music, and
songs of faith are presented by the talented Cheryl Anne Roach,
on her CD, IN THE MORNIN', brought to life for a whole new generation
of people, inspiring faith and comfort in our all powerful God,
and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The listener is enveloped by
Cheryl Anne Roach's flawless, beautiful, insightful renditions
of these musical treasures of the past accompanied by a gifted
pianist, Pat Harpole, playing inspiring arrangements that complement
Roach's fine, expressive vocals.
There are four different categories
for the listener to explore, enjoy and grow spiritually, from
the listening experience.
Selection 1) FIVE AMERICAN GOSPEL SONGS
Four of these selections are arrangements
of either hymns or African American Spirituals.
How Firm a Foundation - A hymn written
by an unknown composer, published in Rippon's hymnal, A Selection
of Hymns, dated 1787. Its words were inspired by scriptures,
including Hebrews 13.5 and Isaiah 43: 1-2. These lyrics were
put together with an early American melody, the harmony being
added by Tabor in 1866. The piano arrangement heard on this
CD was done by the American contemporary composer Richard Walters.
This traditional hymn, sung in many Christian
denominations reassures believers of God's faithfulness, and
His promises that can be found in the Bible, which is the firm
foundation of our faith. Believers can rely on and have faith
in God's promises, especially during times of trials because
of the kind of God we have loving us.
In the Mornin' - A well-known
African American Spiritual arranged simply in 1929 by Charles
Ives, (1874 - 1954). This is a beautiful reminder of how dear
a relationship with Jesus Christ is to the believer.
Lyrical Sample: In the mornin' when I
rise, Give me Jesus, Twixt the cradle and the grave, Give me
Jesus. You can have all the world, but give me Jesus.
The Light that is Felt - Composed by
Charles Ives in 1904. The text is by Whittier.
An aspect of God's caring love for us
is like a mother's love for her child.
Lyrical Sample: A tender child of summers
three, at night, while seeking her little bed, Paused on the
dark stair timidly, Oh, mother, take my hand, said she, And
then the dark will all be light.
We older children grope our way from
dark behind to dark before; And only when our hands we lay in
Thine, O God! then the night is day, and there is darkness never
more.
At the River - (Shall We Gather at the
River) - Hymn arranged by Aaron Copeland. Lyrics by Robert Lowry
(1864) Based on Rev. 22:1 -5. "Then the angel showed me the
river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from
the throne of God and of the lamb."
Music is solemn, calm, comforting, composed
to offer solace at times of loss of loved ones. A hymn which
encourages believers to look forward to being in Heaven by the
River of Life where all believers will gather some day.
The Gospel of Grace (Unique combination
of the hymn AMAZING GRACE & African American Spiritual I'M NEW
BORN AGAIN) Arranged by Mark Hayes.
Cheryl Anne Roach once again flawlessly
gives an inspired performance of this unique combination of
the favorite American hymn of praise, hope and faith, AMAZING
GRACE and African American Spiritual, I'M NEWBORN AGAIN. The
two songs are blended seamlessly together in this wonderful
piano arrangement, by Mark Hayes, composed in the gospel style.
It's played perfectly by the versatile Pat Harpole.
AMAZING GRACE - Lyrics were written in
1779, by an ex-slave trader, John Newton, after his dramatic
conversion and acceptance of Jesus as his Savior, a gift of
God's grace, offered to anyone who believes, despite their past.
In 1900, Newton's lyrics were combined with an American melody
by Edwin O. Excell.
Lyrical Sample: Amazing Grace! How sweet
the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but
now am found; was blind but now I see.
I'M NEWBORN AGAIN - An African American
Spiritual, which is a high spirited, high energy toe tapper,
celebrating being saved through Jesus Christ, being born again.
Lyrical Sample: I found free grace and
dying love, I'm new born again, been a long time a'talkin' 'bout
my trials here below. Free grace, sinner, I'm new born again.
So glad, I'm new born again.
Selection 2) FIVE SONGS FROM THE SPANISH
SONGBOOK(SPANISCHES LIEDERBUCH) of Hugo Wolf.(1889-1890)
Original texts were by Ocana / Emanuel
Geibel / translated into German by Paul Heyse. Written by Hugh
Wolf, during 1889 -1890, during an era when 19th century German
romantics were eager for poetry from all lands, especially Spanish
ones.
Nun wandre Maria - Ocana / Paul
Heyse - (Now Onward Mary) - (Personal favorite of this reviewer).
Piano music flows in thirds like a river, steady beat, like
a person on a journey. Minor key.
Joseph's encouraging words to Mary, bolstered
her faith as they travel toward Bethlehem. Mary was very pregnant,
which was very hard physically and mentally. Joseph's strong
faith in what the angel of the Lord told him, helps the struggling
couple on their long journey to Bethlehem.
Lyrical Sample: Sung in German (From
English translation offered in the CD program)
3) Well, I can see that thy strength
is failing, that you can scarcely overcome your suffering. Courage!
We shall surely find shelter here. Already the cocks are crowing,
and the village is near.
Die ihr schwebet (You who hover around) - Mary singing her request to the angels watching over her and
the sleeping child, asking them to quiet the wind. Mary has
faith that the Lord will protect and take care of them, and
will listen to her concerns. The third verse predicts his life's
mission, to carry the sins of the world to the cross. Piano
arrangement depicts the swirling, cold wind as it blows the
trees, in a continuous flow of notes.
Lyrical Sample: Sung in German (From
English translation offered in the CD program)
1) You who hover around these palm trees
in the night and the wind, you holy angels, quiet the tree tops!
My child slumbers
3) The holy infant, bears many burdens,
how tired he was, with the sorrows, of the earth. Now gently
soothed in sleep, his suffering is allayed. Quiet the tree-tops!
My child slumbers.
Ach, des Knaben Augen (Ah, the boy's
eyes) - A faith inspired by personal contact with the boy Jesus,
noticing something spiritually special while looking into the
boy Jesus's eyes. His Deity was seen in Him from an early age.
Knowing Jesus Christ, having a personal relationship with Him,
strengthens one's spiritual resolve to stay in His will for
our lives, walking on the narrow path with Him.
Music - Ternary rhythm, flowing, major
key.
Lyrical Sample: Sung in German (From
English translation offered in the CD program)
1) Ah, the boy's eyes look, as serene
and beautiful, and something shines forth from them, that wins
my whole heart.
2) ...So I will give myself up entirely
to him and only do the bidding of his eyes, for something shines
forth from them that wins my whole heart.
Herr, was trägt der Boden hier (Lord,
what will this soil bring forth) - Sorrowful arrangement -
One Interpretation: A disciple of Jesus
is talking with Jesus in the Garden, right before his arrest.
Jesus predicts that his upcoming suffering, humiliation symbolized
by the thorns, will result in something wonderful for believers,
forgiveness and eternal life, symbolized by the flowers.
Music conveys the concern and worry of
the disciple, in minor, dissonant chords, as he asks his questions.
The music becomes calm, and centered when Jesus answers the
questioner, knowing what his Father's will is and what will
be the result. His sacrifice will result in salvation and eternal
life for all people who believe. This piece ends on a positive,
major chord, in a calm and peaceful manner.
Lyrical Sample: Sung In German (From
English translation offered in the CD program)
1) Disciple: Lord, what will this soil
bring forth, which you so bitterly water with your tears? Jesus:
Thorns, dear heart for me, and for you the flowers' beauty.
2) O my Lord, for whose adornment shall
the wreaths be wound? Tell Me! Jesus: Those of thorns will be
for me, those flowers I give to you.
Mühvoll komm'ich und beladen (Sorrow-laden
and oppressed with care I come) -
One Interpretation: A person in great
emotional pain, comes to Jesus in prayer, asking for relief.
Music reflects the pain, hope, faith of the person as he / she
prays to Jesus for relief. After the last words are sung, the
piece again ends on soft, peaceful major chords, representing
the peace and relief this tormented person receives from the
Lord, as a result of this heart felt prayer.
This song can inspire people in emotional
pain, going through personal trials to turn in faith and hope
in prayer to a Savior who can heal, forgive, give peace and
fortitude to endure anything experienced.
Lyrical Sample: (From English translation
offered in the CD program)
1) Sorrow-laden and oppressed with care
I come, take me to you, Haven of Mercy! Behold, with burning
tears I come, in all humility, soiled with the dust of the earth.
You alone can make me white, as the lambs' fleece. You will
heal the wounds of one who turns to you in penitence; take the
burden from me O Lord!
Selection 3 - FOUR SONGS FROM THE FRENCH
TWO HEBREW SONGS (By Maurice Ravel;
1875-1937) - Maurice Ravel liked folk songs, and wrote these
as a pair, taking the text from The Society for Jewish Folk
Music, Russia 1911.Kaddish is a
song that praises the Lord for who He is, and L'énigme éternelle
speaks to doubt that almost all believers experience at one
time or another.
Kaddish - The Kaddish is the traditional
Jewish mourner's prayer, sung at funerals and High Holy Days,
the text a song of praise. Mostly singing, with soft chords
on the upper octives of the piano, which slowly works its way
down to include a broader range of notes, or rolled chords.
Main melody is carried by Roach's strong mezzo-soprano expressive
voice.
Lyrical Sample: Sung in Aramaic (From
English translation offered in the CD program)
1) May His great name be magnified and
hallowed in the world that He created according to His will.
And may He reign over His kingdom in your lifetime and in your
days and in the lifetime of the entire house of Israel, speedily
in our day. And let us say Amen.
L'énigme éternelle -
Lyrical Sample: Sung in Yiddish (From
English translation offered in the CD program).
The world asks the old question, Tra
la, Tra la la la, Cometh the reply, Tra la la. If no one can
answer thee, Tra la la, World, thou dost question us, Tra la
la
Priez Pour Paix (Pray for Peace) - An
Art Song composed by Francis Poulenc (1899-1963), based on a
poem by Charles d'Orleans.
An earnest plea, a prayer to the Virgin
Mary, for intercession for peace. Sung in French.
Beautiful, interesting vocal and musical
piano rendition that has a variety of harmonious to dissonant
chords, minor to major key changes, and a good use of dynamics.
Lyrical Sample: Sung in French (From
English translation offered in the CD program)
Pray for peace, gentle Virgin Mary, of
your courtesy ask for the prayers of all the saints, and make
your address To your Son, beseeching his Majesty. That he may
please to look upon his people, Whom He wished to redeem with
his blood, Banishing war which disrupts all.
En Prière - Another Art Song composed
by Gabriel Fauré specifically for piano based on a poem by Stephan
Bordèse - Another favorite of this reviewer.
Inspirational - piano arpeggios and
chords, a really glorious prayer chanson. The combination of
the impressive singing of the very talented Cheryl Anne Roach
and the marvelous, expressive piano playing by Pat Harpole,
together really bring the spirit and beauty of this song alive
for the listener.
A tender prayer asking to be empowered
to teach the truth in such a way to change doubters attitudes
from disbelief to humble reverence for God, and to be empowered
with gentleness to alleviate pain suffered by others.
Lyrical Sample: Sung in French (From
English translation offered in the CD program)
If you have chosen me to teach your laws
on earth, I will know how to serve You, holy King of Kings,
O light! Place on my lips, O Lord, The salutary truth, So that
whoever doubts, should with humility revere You. Reveal Yourself
to me Lord, to whom I have faith and hope.
Selection 4: CANTATA - A contemporary
setting of four traditional African American Spirituals by John
Carter, a prolific 20th century composer. By not listing the
titles of the songs themselves, the work moves from beginning
to end as a unified whole, enabling the listener to hear familiar
melodies in a new way.
Prelude - A piano introduction to a song
cycle of these African American Spirituals.
Rondo (Peter Go Ring dem bells) - Impressive
piano part (Pat Harpole was very busy!)
This Spiritual reinforces the belief
that believers go home to be with the Lord after their life
here on earth is through.
Lyrical Sample: O Peter go ring dem
bells, I heard from heaven today. Wonder where my mother has
gone, heard from heaven today.
Recitative (Sometimes I feel like a
Motherless Child).
Loneliness can be part of the human
condition.
Lyrical Sample: Sometimes I feel like
a motherless child, A long way from home. Sometimes I feel like
I'm almost gone, A long way from home.
Air (Let Us Break Bread Together on Our
Knees) An African American Spiritual, based on ACTS 2:42: They
devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship
to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
A popular prayer hymn sung during Holy
Communion in many denominations. A
cure for loneliness is to be involved in Christian fellowship,
being in prayer and ministry for Jesus Christ.
Lyrical Sample: 1) Let us break bread
together on our knees, When I fall on my knees with my face
to the rising sun, O Lord have mercy on me.
Toccata (Ride On King Jesus)
- An INSPIRATIONAL, uplifting, driving Spiritual to encourage
& fortify Christians to promote the gospel and live the Christian
life. We are empowered by our faith in Jesus Christ.
Lyrical Sample: Ride On King Jesus,
no man can hinder me, He is King of Kings, He is Lord of Lords,
Jesus Christ, first and last, no man works like him.