Music
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Accompanist: Part 1
When I began to work professionally as a musician, the term “accompanist” was beginning to be replaced by “collaborative pianist.” This was intended to acknowledge pianists as equals with directors and soloists. I appreciated this shift, but, at the same time, was never ashamed of being an accompanist. In fact, as soon as I began Continue reading
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Publication Update!
Dear Readers, I recently had the honor of being published in The Journal of the T.S. Eliot Society of the United Kingdom. While I cannot share my article here, I highly recommend checking out and ordering a copy of this publication at the society website: http://www.tseliotsociety.uk/ My article highlights the correspondences between Eliot’s Four Quartets Continue reading
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An Easter Rehearsal
I know my feet are prone to slip, unsure, So I play it again: Alleluia. And I know my hands may strike without measure, So I play it once more: Alleluia. But, worst, I know my heart is yet impure, So I pray it again: Alleluia, Amen. The organist and choristers know well The rehearsed Continue reading
2021 poetry, church music, church musician, church organ, church organist, Easter Sunday, Holy Saturday, holy week poetry, hymn, hymnology, Jesus Christ is Risen Today, liturgical living, liturgy, organ, organist, poem, poetry, practice musical practice, practicing, praising, rejoice, rejoicing, sacred poetry, Triduum -
Were You There?
One of my favorite Passion Week hymns is “Were You There?” I have formative memories of it being sung by a lone baritone in a darkened church, the haunting postlude to a Tenebrae service. Today, as I listened to the provocative question sung once more on a “Holy Week” Spotify playlist, I felt an answer Continue reading
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Exchanging Rest for Restlessness
Recently, I was saddened to hear of yet another professing Christian artist, Audrey Assad, renouncing the faith she formerly professed. It seems that the past year has been something a winnowing fork, by which the winds of culture have threshed the proverbial chaff from the wheat (Matthew 3:12). Indeed, rather than settling into the solidity Continue reading
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“Jubilate”: A Joyful Noise for a Turbulent Time
Recently, I had the joy of reviewing an original folk album by pianist and composer, Mary Vanhoozer. My review can be read on the Transpositions site: “Jubilate” Review Continue reading
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Four Reasons Your Church Should Have a Choir
If you’ve read this blog at all, I’m sure you’ve noticed that I care deeply about choral singing, not merely because I enjoy making music, but because I wholeheartedly believe that singing together is foundational to human community and central to Christian communion. Singing together is foundational to human community and central to Christian communion. Continue reading
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Theology of Worship Panel – Part 1
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to collaborate with some fantastic musician-theologians to present a panel on theology of worship/music. Follow the link below to watch/listen and, as always, feel free to share your thoughts! We will be continuing our discussion next week at the same link. https://youtu.be/PVd4U9EmdCg Continue reading
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Be Thou My Breath
My favorite hymn is “Be Thou My Vision,” not merely because it is a beautiful Celtic melody but because I can use its verses to structure my day-to-day activities. When I rise and open my eyes, I can murmur, “Be Thou my vision.” As I drive to work in the soft morning light or home Continue reading
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Christmas Fear
I love Christmas. I am one of those eternally annoying people who begins singing along to Christmas radio stations before my birthday (November 14th) and I remain fueled almost entirely by peppermint mochas throughout December. The lady in the video below is my hero. And yet, as I wholeheartedly throw myself into the kitschy joy Continue reading
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Musical Martha: Minding the Rest as a Church Musician
I have always struggled with Sundays. I have always loved keeping busy throughout the whole day—even on weekends—but the very structure of Sundays is set against this. As a musician and writer, I deeply enjoy my work and take satisfaction in doing it well. My love for productivity, however, makes Sundays a challenge. Before I Continue reading
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Returning the Favor
Earlier this month—just as the air started to crispen with the coming of autumn—I heard a song that made me laugh with delight: “Land of the Living,” by Roo Panes. So rarely do I come across a song that is at once nostalgic and joyful, that I could not help but listen again and again.… Continue reading
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Ryanne Molinari 