Musical notation for the hymn “I Am the Bread of Life” supplies a written illustration of the melody, concord, and rhythm, enabling people and teams to carry out the piece. This documentation sometimes consists of the notes, time signature, key signature, lyrics, and any efficiency indications corresponding to tempo markings or dynamics. A printed association serves as a standardized format for disseminating the composition to musicians.
The supply of this printed music facilitates widespread accessibility and efficiency of the hymn throughout varied denominations and settings. Traditionally, such dissemination has performed a vital function within the standardization of hymnody and the propagation of non secular music traditions. The written association permits for constant interpretation and efficiency, guaranteeing the supposed musical message is conveyed successfully. It additionally helps musical training and choral observe, enabling singers and instrumentalists to study and carry out the work precisely.
The following dialogue will delve into facets of its musical construction, totally different preparations out there, the theological themes it embodies, and its enduring affect on congregational singing and spiritual expression.
1. Melodic Contour
The form of a melody, its rise and fall, is just not merely a sequence of notes on the web page, however the very emotional structure of a tune. Within the realm of non secular music, and significantly throughout the written rating of I Am The Bread of Life, the melodic contour takes on a profound significance, appearing as a vessel for non secular which means.
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Ascending Hope
An upward sweep within the melody usually symbolizes hope, aspiration, or a reaching in direction of the divine. In analyzing the musical notation, cases the place the melody climbs could be interpreted as reflecting the soul’s craving for non secular nourishment. When the notes ascend, they bodily characterize an emotional upliftment, mirrored within the listener’s expertise and reinforcing the message of divine sustenance.
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Descending Repose
Conversely, a downward melodic contour can counsel humility, acceptance, or a way of peace. In I Am The Bread of Life, such descents may accompany lyrical phrases that talk of give up or discovering solace in religion. The visible illustration on the sheet music mirrors this sense, giving path to the singer or instrumentalist and shaping the tune’s emotional affect.
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Thematic End result
The very best level of the melodic contour, the climax, usually aligns with the central theological message of the hymn. Analyzing the place this peak happens within the written music reveals the composer’s intent to emphasise particular phrases or concepts. This second of musical depth can spotlight the core promise of the hymn the non secular nourishment supplied by means of religion.
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Recurring Motifs
Sure melodic fragments, or motifs, could recur all through the piece. The form and repetition of those musical concepts, as seen within the sheet music, serve to strengthen the hymn’s central theme. Inspecting these recurring contours supplies perception into how the composer makes use of melody to create a cohesive and significant creative assertion.
In the end, the melodic contour, as painstakingly preserved within the sheet music, supplies an important roadmap for the interpretation of “I Am The Bread of Life.” The rises and falls, the peaks and valleys of the melody, will not be simply notes, however signposts pointing in direction of a deeper non secular understanding. They information the performer, and in the end, the listener, in direction of a richer, extra profound expertise of religion.
2. Harmonic Construction
The soul of any musical composition, significantly a bit like “I Am The Bread of Life,” resides not solely in its memorable melody, but in addition within the wealthy tapestry of its harmonic construction. This construction, meticulously documented within the sheet music, dictates the emotional depth and resonant energy of the hymn. It’s the structure upon which the melodic line rests, offering help, colour, and a way of completion.
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The Basis of Chords
Chords type the spine of the harmonic construction. The sheet music reveals the precise chords chosen, their inversions, and their sequence. Main chords usually convey a way of hope and assurance, whereas minor chords may introduce emotions of introspection or longing. The strategic deployment of those chords, as notated, shapes the emotional panorama of the hymn, guiding the listener by means of a journey of religion.
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Voice Main and Counterpoint
Past particular person chords, the way in which voices transfer between these chords the voice main is essential. Easy voice main, evident within the rating by means of stepwise movement between notes in several voices, creates a way of magnificence and circulation. Counterpoint, the place impartial melodic strains intertwine, provides complexity and richness to the feel. These methods, rigorously crafted and preserved within the sheet music, contribute to the general magnificence and class of the harmonic language.
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Modulation and Key Modifications
The sheet music may additionally reveal modulations, or key adjustments, throughout the hymn. These shifts in key can be utilized to create dramatic impact or to emphasise specific lyrical themes. A transfer to a brighter key can sign a second of triumph or revelation, whereas a shift to a darker key may underscore themes of sacrifice or humility. The presence and skillful execution of modulations, as meticulously documented, add depth and nuance to the harmonic construction.
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Suspensions and Dissonances
Harmonic rigidity and launch are important parts of musical expression. Suspensions and dissonances, the place notes conflict momentarily earlier than resolving to a consonant concord, create a way of anticipation and launch. The composer’s skillful use of those methods, evident within the notation, provides emotional weight and depth to the hymn, drawing the listener right into a extra profound engagement with the music and its message.
In essence, the harmonic construction, as revealed within the sheet music, acts as a roadmap to the emotional and non secular core of “I Am The Bread of Life.” It’s a testomony to the composer’s artistry and a vital factor in guaranteeing that the hymn continues to resonate with audiences for generations to return.
3. Rhythmic Notation
Inside the staves and symbols of “I Am The Bread of Life’s” rating, past the notes themselves, lies the important framework of time. Rhythmic notation, the exact system dictating the period of sounds and silences, breathes life into the melody and concord, remodeling them from static symbols right into a flowing, respiratory expression of religion.
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The Pulse of Religion
Time signatures, these seemingly easy fractions in the beginning of the sheet, set up the underlying pulse. A typical time signature dictates a gradual, predictable circulation, mirroring the unwavering nature of religion. Its alternative influences the whole piece, shaping the listener’s expertise and the performer’s interpretation. The tempo marking, usually expressed in beats per minute, refines this, indicating the tempo at which the musical narrative unfolds. A slower tempo can foster introspection, whereas a sooner tempo may evoke a way of joyous urgency.
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Durations of Devotion
Notes of various lengths entire, half, quarter, and past characterize the durations of sung or performed tones. Every contributes to the rhythmic texture, creating patterns of lengthy and quick sounds. Cautious consideration to those durations, as meticulously notated, permits performers to convey the supposed phrasing and emotional nuances of the hymn. A sustained word on a key phrase, corresponding to “life,” can emphasize its theological significance, drawing the listener’s focus to the core message. Staccato notes may add a way of urgency, whereas legato phrasing creates a smoother, extra related sound.
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Silences that Converse
Simply as necessary because the notes are the rests, symbols denoting intervals of silence. Rests will not be mere absences of sound; they’re integral components of the rhythmic construction, offering distinction and permitting phrases to breathe. Skillful use of rests can create a way of anticipation or decision, including depth and emotional affect to the music. Think about a quick silence earlier than the phrase “I’m,” drawing consideration to the declaration of divine identification.
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Syncopation and Emphasis
Rhythmic complexities, corresponding to syncopation the place emphasis is positioned on surprising beats can add a layer of sophistication and curiosity. Whereas “I Am The Bread Of Life” is usually characterised by a simple rhythm, delicate makes use of of syncopation can create a delicate sense of carry or shock. Accents, marked immediately on the notes, additional refine the rhythmic expression, indicating which notes must be emphasised to deliver out the musical form.
The rhythmic notation, due to this fact, throughout the written rating is greater than only a set of directions. It’s the framework that guides the performer in bringing the hymn to life, shaping the emotional affect, and conveying the profound message of religion. It acts as a information to make sure the message resonates totally with those that pay attention.
4. Vocal Association
The hymn I Am The Bread of Life, exists not merely as a theological idea, however as a shared human expertise. Central to this expertise is its vocal association, the precise method the composition is structured for voices, meticulously captured throughout the sheet music. This association determines how congregations and choirs interact with the hymn, shaping their collective expression of religion.
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Soprano’s Ascent
The soprano line, usually the very best vocal half, often carries the melody and the emotional core of the hymn. The sheet music particulars its vary, its phrasing, and its interplay with the opposite voices. Think about a small rural church choir, the place the soprano part, although maybe few in quantity, leads the congregation with unwavering readability. The association grants them the facility to soar, lifting the hearts of all current.
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Alto’s Embrace
The alto line supplies a vital harmonic basis, enriching the feel and providing help to the melody. The association dictates its intervals, its rhythmic interaction, and its moments of melodic independence. Think about a cathedral choir, the place the alto part, wealthy and resonant, weaves a tapestry of sound beneath the soprano’s lead. The association empowers them so as to add depth and heat, grounding the music in a way of shared humanity.
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Tenor’s Energy
The tenor line usually supplies each harmonic help and melodic counterpoint, including complexity and curiosity to the vocal texture. The sheet music particulars its vary, its dynamics, and its moments of interaction with the opposite voices. Image a male voice choir, the place the tenor part, sturdy and clear, affords a steadfast anchor for the harmonies. The association permits them to venture power and conviction, bolstering the general affect of the hymn.
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Bass’s Basis
The bass line supplies the harmonic and rhythmic basis, grounding the whole vocal association. The sheet music particulars its vary, its rhythmic patterns, and its function in establishing the important thing and chord progressions. Envision a gospel choir, the place the bass part, deep and resonant, lays the groundwork for the whole ensemble. The association empowers them to offer a strong basis, guaranteeing that the hymn resonates with energy and authority.
These interwoven voices, orchestrated by the vocal association throughout the sheet music, remodel a easy composition right into a vibrant communal expertise. Every voice performs a vital function, contributing to the general tapestry of sound and permitting congregations and choirs to precise their shared religion by means of the highly effective medium of tune.
5. Instrumental variations
The journey of “I Am The Bread of Life” extends past the realm of vocal efficiency, discovering new expressions and interpretations by means of instrumental variations. The printed rating turns into a information, a blueprint for instrumentalists to translate the hymn’s message by means of totally different sonic landscapes. This transformation not solely expands the hymn’s attain but in addition enriches its emotional and non secular depth.
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Organ Meditations
Inside the hallowed halls of cathedrals and church buildings, the organ lends its majestic voice to the hymn. The sheet music, tailored for organ, usually options elaborate harmonies and hovering pedal strains. Every word resonates, filling the sacred house, drawing listeners right into a contemplative state. The sustained tones evoke a way of timelessness, reflecting the enduring nature of religion and the divine nourishment the hymn describes.
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Piano Reflections
In additional intimate settings, the piano affords a private and reflective interpretation. A pianist, guided by the written association, may discover delicate nuances and delicate variations in dynamics. The instrument can develop into a car for particular person expression, permitting the participant to attach with the hymn’s message on a deeply private degree. The piano model brings a quiet reverence to the hymn.
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Orchestral Expansions
When carried out by an orchestra, “I Am The Bread of Life” takes on a grand and sweeping high quality. The sheet music, now orchestrally organized, distributes the melodic and harmonic parts throughout a large number of devices. Strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion mix to create a wealthy tapestry of sound. This expanded association elevates the hymn to a symphonic scale, amplifying its emotional affect and conveying its message with overwhelming drive. Orchestral preparations remodel the hymn into an epic testomony to religion.
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Ensemble Interpretations
Small instrumental ensembles, like string quartets or woodwind quintets, additionally discover inspiration within the written association. These intimate teams deliver a chamber music sensibility to the hymn, exploring its intricacies and textures with precision and style. Every instrument engages in a fragile dialogue, making a dialog of sound that displays the shared religion and understanding of the musicians.
Thus, the sheet music serves as a catalyst, enabling “I Am The Bread of Life” to transcend its vocal origins and discover new life in various instrumental settings. Every model, whether or not performed on organ, piano, or by an orchestra, provides a novel dimension to the hymn, enriching its which means and broadening its attraction. The printed notes develop into a bridge, connecting musicians and listeners throughout totally different traditions and backgrounds, united by the enduring energy of religion and music.
6. Liturgical Context
The ink on the sheet music, I Am The Bread of Life, holds extra than simply notes and rests; it carries the load of centuries, the echoes of numerous voices raised in worship. Its true significance emerges throughout the liturgical context, the rigorously ordered rituals and traditions that outline non secular companies. With out this framework, the music, although stunning, lacks its full energy, its supposed objective. The hymn is just not merely a tune; it’s a prayer set to melody, a confession of religion woven into concord. Its choice for a selected service, its placement throughout the liturgy, shapes its which means and affect. To know the sheet music, one should first perceive the ritual panorama through which it takes root.
Think about the second of Communion. The hymn, I Am The Bread of Life, sung as congregants strategy the altar, transforms the act of receiving the Eucharist. The phrases, now imbued with musicality, reinforce the theological significance of the bread and wine, turning a bodily act right into a non secular communion. The sheet music, on this context, turns into a information for main the trustworthy into deeper reflection, permitting them to expertise the presence of the divine by means of the shared act of singing and partaking. A easy tune turns into a potent sacramental expression, inextricably linked to the ritual it accompanies. Conversely, think about the hymn sung exterior of this sacred house, divorced from its liturgical moorings. Whereas the melody may nonetheless be pleasing, the depth of which means is diminished. The notes stay, however the soul is absent.
The liturgical context breathes life into the sheet music, I Am The Bread of Life. It transforms notes and rests right into a profound expression of religion, a communal act of worship that transcends the person. This understanding underscores the significance of contemplating not simply the musical parts, but in addition the ritual framework through which the hymn finds its true objective. It requires a cautious and considerate strategy to musical choice and efficiency, guaranteeing that the hymn is just not merely sung, however really skilled as an integral a part of the liturgical celebration. The sheet music, due to this fact, serves as each a information and a reminder of the profound connection between music and religion, between artwork and the sacred.
7. Thematic Resonance
The true energy of “I Am The Bread of Life,” as inscribed inside its musical notation, resides not merely in its melodic magnificence or harmonic complexity, however in its profound thematic resonance. Its the echo of historic truths, the re-telling of a timeless story, that transforms easy notes into a strong expression of religion. The rating itself turns into a vessel, carrying the load of theological which means, guaranteeing the hymns message reverberates deeply throughout the hearts of those that sing and listen to.
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Eucharistic Echoes
The hymns lyrics immediately invoke the central sacrament of Christianity: the Eucharist. The sheet music, due to this fact, serves as a car for conveying this theological idea. Melodic phrases, maybe rising throughout the phrase “bread of life,” or sustaining notes throughout “eat and by no means die,” reinforce the promise of non secular nourishment. Think about a congregation singing the hymn throughout communion, the music turning into a tangible expression of their religion within the transformative energy of the sacrament. The thematic resonance connects on to the ritual, amplifying its significance.
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Sacrificial Love
Underlying the theme of nourishment is the idea of sacrifice. The “bread of life” is obtainable freely, a logo of final selflessness. The sheet music, in delicate methods, can mirror this theme. Minor chords is likely to be interwoven with main chords, hinting at the price of redemption. The tempo may sluggish throughout sure phrases, inviting contemplation on the depth of this sacrifice. A somber association, thoughtfully notated, evokes a way of awe and reverence, reminding listeners of the profound love on the coronary heart of the Christian narrative. The thematic resonance is a continuing reminder of the love given.
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Everlasting Life
The promise of everlasting life is interwoven into the hymn’s central message. The notation carries this theme by means of hovering melodies, uplifting harmonies, and resolute rhythms. Consider a choir singing with unwavering conviction, their voices rising in a strong affirmation of religion. The melodic peaks correspond with the lyrics about endless life, the association lending itself to expressing the enjoyment. Thematic resonance reinforces the last word promise.
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Neighborhood and Unity
Lastly, the hymn fosters a way of group and unity amongst believers. The shared act of singing, guided by the printed music, creates a bond that transcends particular person variations. The concord, with its interwoven vocal strains, symbolizes the interconnectedness of the trustworthy. Envision a various congregation singing collectively, their voices mixing right into a unified expression of religion. The thematic resonance is greater than particular person perception, it connects everybody.
These thematic threads, woven into the material of the music, elevate “I Am The Bread of Life” past a mere tune. The sheet music turns into a strong device for conveying complicated theological ideas, connecting generations of believers to a shared story of religion, love, and everlasting hope. It’s this thematic resonance that ensures the hymn’s enduring energy and its capability to the touch hearts throughout time and traditions, offering a continuing reminder of the non secular nourishment freely supplied to all.
Often Requested Questions
The musical rating for “I Am The Bread Of Life” has prompted inquiries over time. These questions usually contact upon its correct utilization, interpretation, and historic context. The next addresses some often encountered factors of curiosity.
Query 1: Why are there so many alternative preparations out there for the hymn’s musical notation?
A village church, with its ageing piano and small choir, requires a distinct association than a grand cathedral boasting a full orchestra {and professional} singers. Diversifications cater to various ability ranges, out there devices, and liturgical settings. Some preparations simplify the concord for ease of singing, whereas others add complicated instrumental interludes to reinforce the efficiency. The existence of various preparations displays the hymn’s enduring reputation and flexibility throughout a spectrum of musical contexts.
Query 2: How does the musical notation seize the supposed emotional tone of the hymn?
Musical notation preserves extra than simply notes; it holds the important thing to emotional interpretation. Tempo markings (allegro, andante, and so on.) and dynamic indications (piano, forte, crescendo) information the performer in shaping the music’s expression. Articulation marks (staccato, legato) additional refine the phrasing, conveying nuances of pleasure, reverence, or sorrow. A cautious research of those markings reveals the composer’s intention, permitting musicians to translate the written symbols into a strong emotional expertise for the listener.
Query 3: Is there a definitive or “unique” model of the sheet music for “I Am The Bread Of Life”?
Tracing the definitive supply could be akin to following a river to its origin; a number of tributaries could converge. Whereas a composer’s preliminary manuscript exists, subsequent publications and preparations usually introduce alterations and interpretations. Figuring out a single, “unique” model proves difficult, because the hymn’s evolution entails a collaborative course of between composers, arrangers, and editors. Scholarly analysis and examination of historic hymnals present precious insights, however a singular, unchallenged supply stays elusive.
Query 4: How essential is strict adherence to the musical notation throughout a efficiency?
The rating features as a information, providing a framework for musical expression. Whereas respecting the composer’s intentions is paramount, a level of interpretive freedom stays. A seasoned musician may subtly regulate the tempo or dynamics to go well with the acoustics of an area or the emotional local weather of a service. Nonetheless, wholesale deviation from the written notation can distort the hymn’s core message and undermine its integrity. Discovering a steadiness between constancy and creative expression requires sensitivity and musical judgment.
Query 5: What function does the musical notation play in preserving the hymn for future generations?
Musical notation serves as a tangible document, safeguarding the hymn’s melody, concord, and construction in opposition to the ravages of time and oral custom. It acts as a blueprint, enabling musicians centuries therefore to recreate the piece with accuracy and authenticity. With out this written documentation, the hymn’s essence would danger alteration and even loss, leaving future generations disadvantaged of its magnificence and non secular message. The musical notation, due to this fact, features as an important hyperlink, connecting previous, current, and future by means of the enduring energy of music.
Query 6: Can anybody freely use and reproduce the sheet music for “I Am The Bread Of Life”, or are there copyright restrictions?
Navigating copyright legislation requires diligence. Many hymns, together with “I Am The Bread Of Life,” could also be protected by copyright, limiting unauthorized replica and distribution. The size of copyright safety varies, however it’s essential to determine the copyright standing earlier than making copies or creating preparations. Licensing agreements or public area standing could allow utilization, however failure to conform can lead to authorized repercussions. Consulting with copyright consultants is beneficial to make sure accountable and lawful utilization of musical scores.
In summation, the musical notation for “I Am The Bread Of Life” is a posh and multifaceted topic. Its interpretation requires sensitivity, historic consciousness, and respect for each musical and authorized concerns.
The next part will study the enduring affect of “I Am The Bread Of Life” on congregational singing and spiritual expression.
Knowledge Whispered from the Staves
The deceptively easy rating of “I Am The Bread of Life” holds classes extending past musical execution. Its creation and endurance whisper truths relevant far past the hymnal.
Tip 1: Embrace Adaptation: The existence of myriad preparations, from spare solo piano variations to hovering orchestral settings, highlights a essential precept. Rigidity stifles; adaptation permits a message to resonate throughout various contexts. Think about the small rural congregation, its voices lifted in heartfelt concord regardless of restricted sources. The essence transcends the instrumentation.
Tip 2: Honor the Supply, Interpret with Soul: The notation supplies a framework, a legacy handed down. But, blind adherence can render a efficiency sterile. The best musicians, those that really transfer listeners, honor the supply whereas imbuing their interpretation with private understanding and emotion. Consider the seasoned organist, including delicate nuances to mirror the actual event, creating a novel second of connection.
Tip 3: Perceive the Context, Amplify the Which means: A hymn features its deepest resonance inside a selected liturgical context. Positioned strategically inside a service, it amplifies the message and enhances the emotional affect. The identical notes sung at a funeral evoke grief and solace, whereas at a celebration, they encourage pleasure and gratitude. Context shapes the expertise.
Tip 4: Respect the Collective Voice: The hymn is never a solo efficiency. Its the mixing of particular person voices right into a unified expression of religion. The notation facilitates this collective endeavor, offering a shared language and construction. The wonder lies not in particular person brilliance, however within the concord created by means of collaboration.
Tip 5: Acknowledge the Energy of Simplicity: “I Am The Bread of Life” is just not inherently complicated. Its enduring attraction lies in its accessibility, its capability to attach with listeners on a basic emotional degree. Grandiose shows usually pale compared to the uncooked, genuine energy of straightforward sincerity.
Tip 6: Safeguard the Legacy: The cautious preservation of the rating, the vigilant safety of copyright, are acts of stewardship. These actions be sure that future generations have entry to the music and its message. Neglect invitations loss, whereas aware preservation honors the previous and safeguards the long run.
These classes, gleaned from the printed pages, communicate to the enduring energy of music and its capability to convey profound truths. They remind us that true understanding requires each technical ability and a deep appreciation for the context, the group, and the soul of the music.
The concluding part will summarize the enduring legacy of this broadly disseminated musical piece.
Enduring Echoes of a Sacred Rating
The previous exploration has charted a course by means of the panorama of a widely known musical association. From the melodic contours etched onto the web page to the harmonic underpinnings supporting its construction, from the rhythmic notation dictating its pulse to the thematic resonance echoing throughout time, the evaluation sought to light up the multifaceted nature of this printed music. Its adaptability to various vocal and instrumental settings, its contextual significance inside liturgical observe, and its enduring affect on congregational singing had been all introduced into focus. The journey revealed that these pages are greater than mere directions for efficiency; they’re a repository of cultural, theological, and creative which means.
The journey by means of this musical panorama ends not with silence, however with a lingering resonance. So long as the sheet music stays out there, so long as voices rise to sing the traditional phrases, its legacy will persist. A easy tune, rigorously preserved and thoughtfully interpreted, turns into a bridge connecting generations, a testomony to the enduring energy of music and religion. Let the rating stay a information, not a cage, for the spirit of the music. Its energy lies not simply within the notes, however within the religion it evokes.
