Lent, Holy Week, and Musical Meanings – Ben Spalding
The Season of Lent/Holy Week and Easter is my favorite time of the liturgical church year, especially as a church musician! I often begin my planning with dozens of books spread across a large conference table!
I have chosen two specific pieces which are especially meaningful to me during this season.
1) What Wondrous Love – Traditional Hymn
“Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through Music.”
~ Martin Luther
This is one of my all-time favorite quotes and I love when the Word is married with great music because my soul soars to new heights. This American folk hymn was written by William Walker (1809-1875) as he traveled through the Appalachian Mountains and was first published in his collection Southern Harmony in 1835. The melody is simple and heart-piercing, and the text poignantly captures the sinner’s inexpressible awe and joy at redemption. Listen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsVnvN3EVxY
2) No Tramp of Soldiers’ Marching Feet
Timothy Dudley Smith is one of my favorite contemporary hymn writers and his Palm/Passion Sunday Hymn No Tramp of Soldiers’ Marching Feet captures the Holy Week the powerful depiction of the journey to the cross. The pairing of this text with the familiar tune KINGSFOLD is a match made in heaven! This song reminds me that the Almighty and everlasting God sent His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take up the cross. May we follow the example of His great humility and patience and be made partakers of His resurrection! The lyrics can be found here.
http://www.hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/444
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3id_mp_TI70&list=PL741643989C86470C
Ben A. Spalding is Director of Music and the Arts at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mission, KS, where he has built one of the most prestigious arts programs in the region including a weekly Bach Cantata Series, Liturgical, and Concert Series. He is also the founder and artistic director of the Spire Chamber Ensemble, which is gaining a national reputation for excellence in choral performances.