How I Miss the Christmas Music (and the ‘Magic’)!!
For so many of us in the classical vocal arts, one of the prime directives that we give ourselves early on is to strive to become a soloist, or principal artist, in the industry. It is a long, hard, scary, and extremely lonely road. Once achieved–if achieved, comes a whole host of new problems attached to that status: long-term viability, “flavor of the month” complex, vocal health concerns, sex-appeal sustainability, repertoire shifts, ego/self esteem issues, and sometimes the need for moment-to-moment validation (in extreme cases).
There are periods, however, when we also look back to “simpler times” when we were still in striving mode, and a wistful smile usually crosses our face. For those were the times when we were also struggling to “survive”; that is to say…pay for school, get our studies done on time, work two or three jobs, pay our rent, hope that our usually crappy cars didn’t require an expensive repair, etc, etc, etc; and of course, worrying about the next audition or competition! Along that vein ran the need for many of us to sing in church choirs, usually with the obligatory Thursday night rehearsal, or an extra-early Sunday morning appearance (or both) to earn money, while plying our craft a bit at the same time. At this time of year–Christmastide–we were often presented with a wide range of holiday music that was certain to touch many souls no matter how trite or sophisticated. Olde English Christmas Madrigals, simple Christmas Carols, the Christmas portion of The Messiah, or Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, all hold special places in people’s hearts.
At the Old South Church in Boston, where I sang for a few years while studying at Boston University, we were told up-front that in order to accept the job (which paid well as far as church jobs go…and did NOT have a Thursday night rehearsal) we had to be available to sing the late Christmas Eve service–no Ifs, Ands, or Buts; as Fred MacArthur (the music director at that time) didn’t fool around. The result was nothing that ever fell short of pure Christmas magic. A stunningly beautiful church, a dignified service, and the most beautifully programmed choral music I think I have ever consistently sung. When the service ended, everyone walked out with a sense of peace and loving security, including–or perhaps especially–those of us who sang this wonderfully composed/arranged music. We knew that we contributed mightily to the enjoyment of the service as a collective…not as a star soloist, but ultimately, just as a humble musical participant. It felt really good; but as the years pass, many of us no longer participate in church choirs, or gathered vocal ensembles…much of it having to do with our need to move around from city to city to earn a living.
But oh, how I miss singing that Christmas music, and the unassuming contribution I made to those ‘magical’ services as an ensemble member. In a way, there was nothing quite like it!!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,
djc
Great post (as always). I’m singing for the the 6:00 Christmas Eve Mass at our Church. It just doesn’t seem like Christmas unless I sing sometime during the season for Church. Find someplace, David, to let your great voice be heard this Christmas.
Hi, Dave,
I can really appreciate what you have said here. I remember well singing in Boston and Cleveland, sometimes having both a church and temple job. I remember the junk cars and trying to survive working, auditioning and auditions. I ended up as a Liturgical Music Minister myself and I don’t have to prove my vocal worth to anyone except the Lord. I admire so much what you have accomplished in opera and it comes with much acclaim. I also know about concerns about the age of a voice as I approach age 60. My goal is to keep my voice as young sounding as possible and give back to God what God has given to me. If you ever come to Cleveland, I would love to come hear you sing, or if you and your aunt want to come and sing some Christmas at St Anselms that would be wonderful.
You are top notch in my book, Dave
David, Your message touched my heart and reminded me of so many magical musical moments as a young singer, singing madrigals, old English carols, Messiah, Bach, and yes, even the traditional carols such as Silent Night and O Come All Ye Faithful. So many churches, [mine included] have fallen victim to the “contemporary” Christmas sound. No longer lush, intricate harmonies. We are subjected to a cacophony of syncopated “modern” rhythms. I have voiced my disappointment, as have many others but, our words fall on deaf ears…TRULY deaf ears. So as this season of worshipping the birth of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords draws near, I join with you in singing “Hallelujah” for He SHALL reign forever and ever despite our meager offerings!!!
Lovely.
I hear you, David. I LOVED my church job in NYC and the Christmas eve ceremonies were the best, complete with a packed house, string quartet, brass, African drummers…so much beauty and fun in one night! I miss it.
Ah, you read my mind, David – it seems so strange in this season to be watching the decorations go up, to be shopping and putting up a tree and so on, and to not be singing Christmas music. I sang in several Catholic churches for a grand total of about 10 years… the Catholics sure know how to do Christmas! Christmas Eve midnight mass was really something special, with the smells and bells and white-lit trees and poinsettias on the altar of the beautiful old church that became my spiritual home. We sang music that was deep and rich and varied, all culminating in O Holy Night just before the mass itself began. Both my pastor and my choir director are dead now and are very much missed. It seems like a different lifetime.
All that said, I also remember desperately driving in the snow to make it for Christmas morning services after singing midnight mass the night before… I remember my choir director always used to like to make a game of who got to sing O Holy Night, even though I sang it beautifully and everyone looked forward to hearing it… from me. I remember the vocal fatigue of singing a full concert including two complete oratorios (followed by O Holy Night!) immediately BEFORE a two-hour mass (having sung 3 hour family mass/carol service hours before)… all of which was considered part of our salaried work, without extra pay… *drinking my cup of coffee and thinking fondly about going to hear some Christmas concerts this season – in silence*
Indeed, indeed. I remember taking my luggage to the church, then going to JFK at 2am to spend the night before the 7am flight to my parents’ home. Those years of $50 a service, plus the other 3 jobs worked to almost make it….times I will never forget. The music was the only sweet part of it!