Second Presbyterian Church

The choir, the instrumentalists, Jeff, and Bobbie led us in such a beautiful time of worship yesterday, as we approached—musically—our Advent themes from this year.  In the Gospel of Luke, Mary says, “Here I am,” “Let it be,” and “My soul magnifies the Lord.”  What does it mean for us to say the same?

After worship, some of you asked about the melodic oboe part that was incorporated in “The Annunciation” (the choir’s second piece).  It is called “Gabriel’s Oboe,” and it was an instrumental piece written by Ennio Morricone, originally for the film The Mission (about 18th century missionaries in South America).  One commentator said that the melody of this piece "weaves together our deepest longings and highest aspirations as human beings, and composes them into imagined possibilities and resilient hopefulness."  That seems fair.

After being asked repeatedly if lyrics could be added to this piece, Morricone relented, and--with lyrics--this piece is called “Nella Fantasia.” It has been recorded by Sarah Brightman and Paul Potts and, this last year, it was highlighted in a viral video from 22-year-old Sung-Bong Choi on “Korea’s Got Talent.”

I didn’t want worship to end yesterday, so I felt like I extended it some by listening to Yo-Yo Ma play “Gabriel's Oboe,” by hearing Sarah Brightman sing “Nella Fantasia,” and by reading “The Annunciation”’s lyrics in the bulletin.  

When are we moved to want to say “My soul magnifies the Lord”?  Sometimes it is through song.

My hope is that each of us—sometime this season—has that feeling.

Blessings,
Craig