Well, here is something new to me; an old fashioned way of making sheet music. At first, I thought is was of Spanish origin, because of that Spanish (?) note at the right, but as soon as I zoomed in on the picture, I could make out English script. I suppose it really doesn’t make a difference whether the sheet music is written by hand, by a mechanical device or is computer generated; sheet music is sheet music, period. Well, that is not ENTIRELY TRUE, for music can be rock n roll, classical, pop, rap or something else. So, the purpose of the music and the words one may use reflect a mind-set and deliver a message from the mind of the composer.
These things are true no matter what we do; our compositions reflect what our state of being is. From writing a sonnet, book, music (of any medium, not just sheet music) or even writing a computer program our inner beings shine through.
Recently, while working on my Composite Bible reports computer program I obtained most of the Psalms sung in the accapella style. The Psalms were the hymn book of the first century Christians and therefore of interest to all those seeking to restore New Testament Christianity. I learned long ago that the ancient Jews used the Psalter as their hymn book, and therefore sang them in Hebrew, but what about the very early church? Since the very early church was composed of both Jewish and gentile converts, I imagine that what language they used depended entirely on the make-up of the particular congregation. However, I am certain of one thing, which is expressed by the following verses from the book of Ephesians…
Ephesians 5 ( World English Bible )
18 Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,
19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing, and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father;
The words and the music became a melody in their heart and a joyful expression of their love for the Lord of all the universe. This is true not only for music but for what we do in life; Paul said in the letter to the Colossians…
Colossians 3 ( WEB )
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.
17 Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.
The very next time you attend church, ask yourself this question before the services start: What am I doing? Your answer may surprise you!
PS. Does anyone out there LOVE that old fashioned music machine? I DO!