Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah

This excerpt I have chosen immediately reminded me of the “Amazing Grace” example sung by the New Bethel Baptist Church in our text. Pastor Calvin Johnson is lining out the singing part very similarly to the way the Deacon line is sung. It is obvious that there is a social organization for the singing of the group because you can hear the call and response between the Pastor and the congregation.  The timbre of Pastor Johnson’s voice is rhaspy and smooth through his ornamentation just like in the recording Titon provides us.

In our book it states that these hyms are often improvisatory, I believe that is very true for this recording as well. There is many melismas and glides that Pastor John adds to his singing. Titon tells us that the congregation typically does not all sing the same thing or what the Pastor previously sang. In this recording there is so many different variations that it all sort of blends together in perfect harmony.

 One of the things Titon tells us that is important is movement. Immediately Pastor Johnson tells the congregation to stand if anyone feels so called to. Throughout the video the congregation can be seen lifting hands, fanning, clapping, and swaying with Pastor Johnson. One small thing that I think is an important part of movement during worship ((for some people) but it is kinda hard to see in this video because it’s grainy) is the closing of the eyes. To feel so moved that you just close your eyes and let the music move you. Pastor Johnson, as well as other members of the congregation can be seen closing their eyes and letting the music envelop them.

I could go on about the amazing community of this congregation and the diversity of the music and Pastor Johnson’s magnificent leading…But alas I have been restricted to 300 words for this entry…

                                                  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z7c7dSbLrg