Performance
Typically, worship services in churches and synagogues include hymns which are sung by the congregation, accompanied by organ, or piano, and/or sometimes by guitars or other instruments. Details of performance vary depending on the designated style of the service, or by the hymns themselves. Some hymns specify unison singing, and other hymns are sung in parts (usually soprano, alto, tenor, bass). It is common practice for a congregation to sing all the hymns in unison, but in some traditions part singing is encouraged.
Sometimes, especially on longer texts, variety in the performance is introduced. Varied performance practices may include:
- varied harmonization for a stanza
- descant added by sopranos, above the melody
- "Fauxbourdon" with the melody sung by tenors, and the harmonies sung by the other parts
- a modulation (usually for the last stanza) into the next higher key
Other possibilities for varied performance can be invited through explanation either in the service bulletin or through verbal instruction by the pastor or the minister of music. Combining some or all of these and can add interest to singing while enhancing the sense of the text. For example:
- a stanza sung only by the choir
- a stanza sung only by the congregation
- a stanza sung only by men
- a stanza sung only by women
- a stanza sung only by the left half of the sanctuary
- a stanza sung only by the right half of the sanctuary, etc.
Some hymn tunes lend themselves to being sung in canon.
Read more about this topic: Hymn Tunes
Famous quotes containing the word performance:
“What avails it that you are a Christian, if you are not purer than the heathen, if you deny yourself no more, if you are not more religious? I know of many systems of religion esteemed heathenish whose precepts fill the reader with shame, and provoke him to new endeavors, though it be to the performance of rites merely.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“Just as the performance of the vilest and most wicked deeds requires spirit and talent, so even the greatest demand a certain insensitivity which under other circumstances we would call stupidity.”
—G.C. (Georg Christoph)
“Having an identity at work separate from an identity at home means that the work role can help absorb some of the emotional shock of domestic distress. Even a mediocre performance at the office can help a person repair self-esteem damaged in domestic battles.”
—Faye J. Crosby (20th century)