Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-07-07
FREDERICK MAxSON
On Growth of Church Music

A REMARKABLE Improvement in church
1 music in the last ten years is noted by
Frederick Maxson, prominent musician and
organist Of the First Baptist Church.
There is no doubt as to the change for
the better in that time, said Mr.. Maxson.
Church music has been greatly enriched,
is more impressive and generally more effec-
tive than ever before.
During that time the Russian school
has exerted a potent influence on this type
OF music. To begin with, it is most churchly.
1t offers many variations and greater num-
Der Of parts than some other music.
Beauty in Russian Music
'Therc is an advantage in this, because
the greater the number of parts and yaria
tions the more color, the greater number OF
delicate nuances, the greater degree Of
some Of the new anthems of RachmHninoif
offer parts for two sets of each voice during
a large part of their context.
"Of course the Russian music is exotic,
but it does reach the emotions, and that ia
one thing that church music must do II 1t Is
to perform its true function. AS an in
fucncc it is useful, even if it would not he
desirable to have a prcDondcrancc of it in
program of church music.
at is useful to have this great variation,
which makes for additional richness, esp"-
cially on the-part of the voices. 1t is we'll rs
rule not to have to depend on the or
chestration too much If one is TO get the
greatest effect Of this music.
''Ihere has been d particularly crafty
ing growth Of able American composers Of
this type of music during the last decade
or So Their number also is increasing and
1t is possible now to use a larger number Of
them on programs with the best results.
Grasp American Spirit
"The American composer has an advan-
tnge over his English and continental brother
in that he has been better able TO grasp
the psychology and the spirit of his fellow
countrymen than his neighbors have. He
a more personal note, that has more color
and less Journalism than that offered by the
English musicians, splendid though their
work has been.
"Church music. to be most effective, must
appeal to the emotions. People do not 90 to
church unless they want to. SO in order to
have them attend and continue to come and
profit thereby, services must be made attrac-
tive. | do not mean by that they should be
made merely entertaining, nor even be con-
ceivcd In that spirit
"But people must be reached spiritually,
largely through their emotions. SO more and
more it is necessary for the church. in order
to obtain this result, to increase the musical
features of its service. A musical program
before the service, including the particpa-
tion of the congregation in several numbers.
has prepared them for the church service
proper. with several beautiful impressive
numbers during that service, with as large
a choir as possible consistent with quality,
the congregation ia stimulated emotionally to
the point where it is likely to get the
best impressions from the sermon, provided
it is up to the standard.
Suggests Ideal Program
"The ideal program would be to have n
perfect co ordination Of sermon and music.
With the sermon and its aim thoroughly
understood in advance, the musical direrto,
could then prepare program that would be
In absolute accord with the spirit of the
sermon and have the congregation in that
necessary favorable psychological condition
TO profit by the eloQuence of the clergyman.
"The war has had several effects on tho
| people from the standpoint Of church attend :
| ance. 1t did stir their emotions and showed
them how big they could be and conso-
ligious feeling than ever before. 1t fostered
| community singing, which had the effect of
overcoming to an extent that individual
| reticence TO sing aloud, and singing togetber
| both by precept and example has become n
more natural thing. 1t has also made peonle
| more individual and critical, which of
course, increases the task of the church
| "But this should not deter churches from
| tackling the problem, and indeed they will
| shortly have to, If they have not already
| done so, In order to keep in existence II
| IL largely problem In psychology, with good
1 music and good preaching added, if tho
| church Is to continue to be effective
Some churches and denominations have