Innovative Voices at Compline
Recently, two beautiful innovations melted into the project of ComplineNYC. These adaptations shared chant with new audiences in fresh ways. It’s difficult to say whether the quality of the music, which passes in dreamlike minutes, or the power of collective, contemplative thought contributed most to the success of recent events. It is undeniable in light of the recent contributions, however, that the individuals who share in this special meditation breathe new life into each musical offering. A special thanks to those recent innovators who helped shape and impart new things to this project.
The first innovation was the addition of Joe Drew and Johnny Chang, both of Analog Arts Ensemble of which ComplineNYC is also a member. During the chanting of the office, Joe and Johnny added ostinati, interjections, and drones on the flugelhorn and harmonica respectively. It was a fascinating affect as these tones drifted from the balcony above where they were positioned. Chang also offered those in attendance another unique opportunity. During a time of reflection, musicians premiered a new composition, which drew upon calculated sounds and silences. The performance enhanced the atmosphere of meditation.
Secondly, at the beginning of this month, friends from New York Polyphony invited me to Greenwich, Connecticut, where they sang a concert that weekend and conducted workshops with the choirs of Christ Church, Greenwich. At the conclusion of their work, they led a choir composed principally of high school students in the Office of Compline as the final offering. They used the setting from the ComplineNYC project. Interspersed with the chant were two polyphonic anthems. “The Three Kings” by Peter Cornelius followed the Little Chapter (James 1:17) and commented on the act of giving from the reading. Jan Sandström’s “Est ist ein Ros’” was the Marian Antiphon at the end of the service. One special guest admired, “The voices were ethereal, and I still cannot fathom that most of them belong to high school students willing to use them in this way. Please don't tell me that those kids learned to sing chant in a one-hour rehearsal.” Indeed, in short order they turned unfamiliar tunes into a profound meditation.
From this, I’ve learned that the framework of the ComplineNYC project can inspire creativity. Recent innovators were able to use their own voices (literally and figuratively) to add to the great depth of a meditation that brings us together – extending from the individual to the collective. As said earlier, who knows the exact ingredient that contributes most to this accomplishment. For while the music itself may have allure, the sensation is made real only by the act of putting it together and making it happen.
This Sunday, January 21, offers the first opportunity of the new year to be a part of this nighttime creation. Join me as we transform the concepts of the written music into living art. As on each third Sunday of the month, the Upper West Side Church of Saint Matthew and Saint Timothy is our host. Details are below.
6:00 PM – Compline
presented by ComplineNYC
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Church of St. Matthew and St. Timothy
26 West 84th Street
New York, NY 10024
(212) 362-6750
Tuesday, January 16, 2007