What’s Your Response?
I want to say as little as possible about today’s piece, only because I’m afraid that I’ll ruin it. Maybe you should listen first, then read:
Christian Zeal and Activity was written by John Adams, a living American composer. It’s very simple (most classify it as minimalist), but it has the ability to strike deep. This 10-minute piece is ONE verse of the hymn, “Onward, Christian Soldiers“, played excessively slow – about 1/12 of the normal tempo. The voice leading is also out of place – for example, the basses might move to the next note five seconds before the melody note gets there, etc. It feels as though time is standing still (or at least going very slowly). About halfway through, a speaking voice enters the music – it’s a recording of an evangelical preacher. Words, sentences are repeated for no particular purpose. Oddly, it is the speaking voice that becomes the melody (there is a melody present in good public speaking – just listen to any successful auctioneer!) while the hymn remains in pseudo-suspended animation.
I’m not really sure what to call this piece – I can’t exactly call it “sacred”. It’s not something you’d hear in church, even though the two major elements of the piece came right out of the Christian church (a preacher and a hymn.)
When I first heard this piece, it had a profound effect on me. I’d love to hear your response to the piece (please comment!), whether positive or negative (or something in between).
What I got from this was an affirming sense of a simple spirit that runs through our lives with all the joys and sorrows, as it has throughout the ages and will in ages to come. “With the Cross of Jesus…”
After I got past trying to follow any line of reasoning in the speaking voice one assertion seemed to emerge, in no small part because of the repetition, “What is wrong with a withered hand?!” (If I heard it accurately.)
And now for a humble request. Can you tell me how to get hold of the extra selections. Subsequent access to the website omits them, unless there is something I’m missing.
Don’t know if it was included in the “extras,” but I found Dr. Atomic on YouTube and am enjoying it.
I also find this piece very moving. I have a recording of it but haven’t listened to it in a while. The visuals here work – I think they express visually what the music expresses about American spirit, or at least one way of hearing the music and one aspect of American culture. I wouldn’t have picked up on the “Onward Christian Soldiers” foundation if it was not pointed out. I can barely hear that even when listening for it. I wonder if the effect is meant to be subliminal? It also reminds me of the effect of zooming in on something visually until you get to a level not normally perceived – for example zooming in on leaves on the until one is immersed in molecules rather than leaves. Another piece by Adams that is very moving is “On the Transmigration of Souls” – written to commemorate 9/11 victims. I listened to it last week after the Paris attacks.
I’ve wondered what Adams’ intent was as well. Part of me wants to know, and another part of me is content not to know.
That’s true it’s very slow and relaxing ”timeless”! But it seems that the speach doesn’t suit very much the music, it sound unappropriated to me?! Anyway thank you for sharing this, it’s beautiful!
Hi – thought I’d add my response, formally, here!
Loved the John Adams. What occurred to me was “mindfulness.” I felt myself wanting the harmonic resolutions to “arrive” sooner. However, once I became aware of that, I allowed myself to experience the harmonic tension in/as the present moment. Something about slowing the pace of spiritual transformation – or, rather, not wanting to hurry it. Reminded me of the Barber Serenade for Strings.
It’s a very beautiful piece. But, knowing its history and author, and knowing my own background, I think I interpret it in 180° off from what the composer intended. I think Adams intended it more as an experimental philosophical piece, not as a sacred work. But I like listening to it as a sacred work.
It’s also very unique in his repertoire. Nothing else is even close to this. It’s a bit of an anomaly, like judging Ravel by Bolero. (An imperfect analogy, but the absurdity of it is distantly relevant.)