Recital Flow: Comments Appreciated

Recital Flow: Comments Appreciated
Wednesday, July 19, 2023 by Dr. James W. Walraven

I’m now thinking more about the flow of the worship recital. My current thoughts are to start with something familiar, something that reflects what we now have in Christ, what we can be grateful for.

Then, I’d cycle back to where we once were, and where the world still is, lost in sin. Pieces in this section would deal with the process of coming to the place where we admit that we are sinners and need a Savior. Long-term, the piece I’d most like to include in this section would be Faure’s “Elegy.” The drawback is that it is the most difficult piece I’ve attempted to play, and if I remember correctly, I’ve only done it once in recital with Marcia. But, the sorrow the piece reflects, fits perfectly.

Longing for forgiveness, as well as for eternity with Christ could follow: specifically some traditional spirituals. Next, we’d focus on the forgiveness, peace, and joy we have in Christ, concluding with the Bruch “Kol Nidrei” which portrays the need for forgiveness, and then forgiveness, better than any piece I know. That the piece is so biblically based, helps.

I’d be curious to hear any thoughts or comments you might have. What is your reaction to the above outline?