Omaha daily bee., 1898-12-18

Its share OF the work. II Ia the big choir.
There Ia q disposition to sit or stand aioof
from the singing Of the hymns, the hearty
responses, or whatever else, designed for
the congregation.
BY selecting a well known hymn and tune.
and by continually urging the ton
to sing Justify. the general effect Of the
service will be greatly strengthened.
There are many objections raised to con-
gregational singing by some choirs and
choirmasters. on the ground that 1t disturbs
the flow Of harmony and takes the tone quail
ity away. That people cannot sing Justify
and vigorously without running the music"
This Is a narrow view. The congregation
should have some part. which 1t Is expected
to fulfill In every service. as thereby the
spirit Of enthusiasm is maintained. Peo-
pie are always pleased with what they are
accomplishing themselves.
Henry Ward Beecher once said: Thine
was when one Of those good old hymns
would have taken the congregation up to
the very gate OF heaven, but yesterday II
only took them to the choir loft, about ten
feet above the pews."
The choir has its mission. the clergyman
has his and the congregation is not denied
a sphere OF usefulness.
Some people who hear the TIE Deum, the
Magnifcat and the Nunc Dimittis talked
about and see these titles on programs may
not be aware of the following facts:
First. that the TIE Deum is credited to
the fifth century and was supposed to be the
poetical composition Of Ambrosius. hence it
has been called the Ambrosian Hymn. There
were many versions Of the words and 1t has
been a ~favorite subject for all composers.
Second, that the Magnifcat is one Of the
canticles or biblical hymns, this being the
hymn sung by the Virgin Mary when Eliza
beth proclaimed to her that she should be
the mother Of the Savior. The Magnificent,
or "magnifcat ANNA mea," begins with the
literal translation, my soul doth magnify
and Is found in the Gospel according to
Saint Luke, the first chapter and the verses
beginning with forty-six and ending with
ffty-fve.
Third, that the Nunc Dimittis is in the
second chapter Of the same book. verses
twenty-nine to thirty-two inclusive. and is
known as the prayer OF Simeon, who, taking
the infant child Of Bethlehem in his arms,
spake thus: Lord. now lettest thou thy
servant depart in peace; for mine eyes have
seen thy salvation"
Inc DeueulCluS 10 tue uynnu Ot LHCQ6-
rias and was a song Of praise for the birth
Of his son John, who was to Prepare the
way of the Lord" This Is also found near
the close Of the first chapter Of St. Luke's
Gospel.
Next Sunday, morning and evening, the
music in the Omaha churches will be OF an
exceptionally high order, as the unsual con-
dition Of having Christmas fall on Sunday
will necessitate services in the churches
which ordinarily would not celebrate the
day.
Choirs have been working with energy
and zeal for this great event, and 10 all be
it wished that their efforts may be crowned
with success.
If a hint to the congregations, music COM
mittees and clergyman would not be out Of
place here, may 1t be said: "If you are
pleased with the musical services Of Christ
mas do not hesitate to express 1t to the
people who made 1t well-pleasing."
"a word fifty spoken is like apples OF
gold in pictures Of silver"
THOMAS J. KELLY.