Music and Religion & Philosophy

I have been in a few religious denominations throughout my life- Baptist & Presbyterian churches. Currently, I am attending Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Mauldin, SC. The instruments used in my religion is the organ and piano. Although sometimes, we have special music where different instruments can be played. The purpose of these instruments and the terms I'm going to discuss is to worship God and give thanks. Singing is congregational in unison, (prior to Covid).  Now, one person from the choir does all the singing each service. 

Things in my church community look different now that we are in the midst of Covid-19. However, in my church choir, we would sing a "Special Music" anthem every Sunday. Anthem is just a fancy term for a song in the Presbyterian denomination. The performing style is Liturgical which means that every service has a set structure that happens every week. The set structure of the service could also be the "rules" that the prompt question asked. For example, my church does not usually get up and clap after someone sings. Also, people do not raise their hands in praise during worship like some churches do.  

Here is an example of an anthem called "Look at the World" by John Rutter. The song lyrics are below in case it is needed to follow along to the video.  This version is sung by the choir The Cambridge Singers with the Orchestra City of London Sinfonia.  This song is about people praising God and giving thanks for everything in the world that is created through him. The song is conjunct, and I love the melody. I definitely hear a flute in the song. 

Look at the world, everything all around us,
Look at the world and marvel every day.
Look at the world: so many joys and wonders,
So many miracles along our way.
Chorus:
Praise to thee, O Lord for all creation.
Give us thankful hearts that we may see
All the gifts we share, and every blessing,
All things come of thee.
Look at the earth bringing forth fruit and flower.
Look at the sky, the sunshine and the rain.
Look at the hills; look at the trees and mountains,
alley and flowing river, field and plain.
Chorus
Think of the spring, think of the warmth of summer,
Bringing the harvest before the winter's cold.
Everything grows, everything has a season,
Till it is gathered to the Father's fold:
Chorus
Every good gift, all that we need and cherish,
Comes from the Lord, in token of his love.
We are his hands, stewards of all his bounty.
His is the earth and his the heavens above.

There is also an Introit in the beginning of each service that is played on the piano or the organ. In the Presbyterian community, it is a fancy term for "Call to Worship. " It is based on Biblical text in the form of a short song.  Here is a picture of an example of a Call to Worship that goes with the song that is sung or played. 

Finally, at the end of the service there is one final hymn that is sung. In case you don't know, a hymn is found in a collection of other songs put together in a book. Here is an example of a hymn: "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" This video is from the royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. In England, they call the song great Redeemer not Jehovah. 

 Here is a link to look at the lyrics for sake of space: https://genius.com/Religious-music-guide-me-o-thou-great-jehovah-lyrics  

This hymn is about God providing for someone who is feeling weak and struggling. While a person may be struggling, it is also about praising God for all he has done for them. The song is consonance, very happy sounding. There is congregational unison singing and an organ played.