Pensees: Words from Paradise by Dan Forrest

Words from Paradise by Dan Forrest

They penetrate the soul. And I only heard three of them sung tonight by the Bob Jones University Chorale; hallelujah, selah, and hosanna. I must hear the other two: holy and amen.

My own musical, soulful, and spiritual experience as I listened to the three words sung tonight in the beautiful sanctuary of First Baptist Church was what C.S. Lewis called a “pleasant inn” on the tough journey to heaven. It was a pleasant inn to be remembered. But it wasn’t a ballgame, a few moments of happy love, or a merry meeting with some friends that took in the weary pilgrim and made him forget his sore feet tonight (even though these simple gifts are also from the Father for our refreshment). It was the singing of words. And I only heard three of them tonight.

How does one record an intangible “inn”?

The heart swells with austere happiness. Awe rhymes with simplicity in such exquisite harmony that that very music which must be very complex seems strangely accessible to the common hearer. And it is not because the hearer could sing the music (I certainly could not), but the hearer’s soul can feel the emotional glory and purity of those blessed “words from Paradise” that reverberate in the heart of every true child of God. His soul knows the universal language of the Bride and he feels it when it is sung with appropriate music more, far more, than he ever could with the lonely, yet soulful, intonations of his spirit in private worship to his God.

“Hallelujah”

“Selah”

“Hosannah”

This is my language, written on my heart by grace. And music, good music, award-winning music, refreshed my mind and revived my emotions in holy anticipation for the day of ultimate expression: the day of sinless intonations of the “words of paradise.” On that day I will be a member in the choir. Until then I must remember “our Father refreshes us on the journey with some pleasant inns, but will not encourage us to mistake them for home” (Lewis). Yet my soul can revel in the glory and depth of three simple words in ways not often enjoyed thanks to three difficult compositions. Thus, the beauty of music — yea, the necessity of it — is once again brought to the forefront of my mind. You must hear this masterpiece.

I must hear the other two words.

I am including hear an excerpt from a program where “Words from Paradise” was performed:

Words from Paradise was written in the summer and fall of 2005, at the encouragement of Dr. John Paul Johnson, conductor of the KU Chamber Choir. The five pieces are 8-part a cappella settings of one word from the Bible. Each represents a differ ent aspect of eternal life in heaven. The five pieces form an arch, of which Selah is the keystone. Selah was the first of the five to be written, in July 2005. This fall, while the other pieces were being written, it won the coveted American Choral Direc tor’s Association Raymond Brock Memorial Competition. The prize includes a premiere of the piece at the 2006 Regional Convention in St. Louis; but the ACDA has graciously granted permission for Selah to be performed tonight as part of the premiere of th e entire set. The 5-piece arch is symmetrical in many ways, but most obviously in its tempo/mood scheme. Holy depicts the Holy God as the fearsome, awe-inspiring Judge who dwells in unapproachable light. From this turmoil emerges a single note, beckoning. Hope springs: His Holiness is not unapproachable. Timidly, we approach the throne and find the scepter extended, and are comforted, wrapped up in His mercy. Hallelujah depicts a gathering crowd, tittering with excitement. Shouts of exaltation burst forth randomly, unt il the whole throng sings as one, “Hallelujah!” Selah is a pause, a rest from whatever else is happening, to contemplate the Truth of the God of Heaven. Hosanna reflects the irrepressible joy and celebration of the throng around the throne, hailing Ch rist as Savior and King. Amen is a postlude, a picture of eternal peace and rest: “So be it.”

I am not absolutely sure, but I think Dan Forrest bested the famed John Rutter in the competition that won him the honors for this fantastic work. Perhaps some of my readers will be able to confirm this for me.