Christian musicians playing virtuosic music

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DaveBj

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This is at most a minor ethical dilemma, one I’m not obsessing about, but I’m curious what other forum denizens think. I posted this on a thread about “showing off,” but that thread has completely disappeared (don’t know why; there wasn’t anything controversial on it).

Anyway, what do y’all think about Christian/Catholic musicians playing virtuosic music, not in a church setting, but in a concert setting?

I play an instrument for which most of the solo literature is designed to show off the technical and musical skill of the performer. A lot of these pieces are in the “theme and variations” format, where the soloist states the theme and then takes the theme through a series of progressively more difficult variations, ending in a blaze of [something] and on a very high note. I’m working on one of these pieces for next fall’s community band season.

What do you think? Okay, or too much calling attention to self? If I make it through the last variation and coda, should I tebow in thanks?

If you’d like to see/hear what I’m talking about, here’s a link to a Youtube video of a pro playing the piece that I’m working on.

youtube.com/watch?v=6ju9CkcE03Q
 
It is possible to be great and be humble at the same time.

Eliminate all pride in self. You are graced with gifts from God. Even your drive to excell and your ability to do so is all from God.

Think of your music AS prayer; as glorifying God. Then there can be no limit to what you strive to share with others.

If this is difficult for you; pray at least as much as you practice music. I’m not kidding. If you practice 8 hours a day, spend at least 8 hours praying devotionals, the rosary, or reading new testament scripture. You won’t have to do that for long before you find yourself able to bring that form of worship to your music.
So the problem comes from the misguided souls who mistakenly worship you when they are so moved. …

This is why I sing only in church settings now but it’s still inescapable… I’m struggling with that still…
 
Here’s my answer:

youtube.com/watch?v=yaAzD3UQfNE

I don’t know how you feel about country/bluegrass, but regardless of your taste, the man’s virtuosity is undeniable. He’s also a preacher (though not Catholic) and openly shares his faith during his concerts; even plays a few spirituals. I don’t see anything wrong with playing virtuosic music (I’m an amateur musician myself, and enjoy playing everything from Grant Green to Beethoven to John McLaughlin… well, trying to play John McLaughlin anyway.) No different than being a really good athlete or a very talented painter. Were DaVinci and Michelangelo drawing too much attention to themselves? 🙂
 
InspiritCarol said:
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This is why I sing only in church settings now but it’s still inescapable… I’m struggling with that still…
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, there’s not much call for euphonium soloists in our parish, but that’s not a big surprise. I do do a little playing (hymns, gospel songs) in my cousins’ Baptist churches.
 
Psalm 33: “Play loudly with ALL your skill”.

The better the music playing, the better the glory to God. If you play a fast energetic song, stun people. If you play a slow reflective song, make them cry.

I think non-virtuosic instrumental playing, no technique, no skills, is insulting to God. And that crumby ‘modest’ organ playing (simple chords, dull, dull, dull)- its totally Protestant music. But then you here some ‘charismatic’ Catholic bands, trying to show off- and they’re rubbish- they play like 2 year olds with broken hands.

The ideal church musician, is, IMO, a cross between Franz Liszt (a good Catholic), J.S. Bach, Paganini, and Yngwie Malmsteen.

If one note praises God, ten thousands notes praises Him ten thousands time more!
 
Qoeleth said:
Psalm 33: “Play loudly with ALL your skill”.

The better the music playing, the better the glory to God. If you play a fast energetic song, stun people. If you play a slow reflective song, make them cry.

I think non-virtuosic instrumental playing, no technique, no skills, is insulting to God. And that crumby ‘modest’ organ playing (simple chords, dull, dull, dull)- its totally Protestant music. But then you here some ‘charismatic’ Catholic bands, trying to show off- and they’re rubbish- they play like 2 year olds with broken hands.

The ideal church musician, is, IMO, a cross between Franz Liszt (a good Catholic), J.S. Bach, Paganini, and Yngwie Malmsteen.

If one note praises God, ten thousands notes praises Him ten thousands time more!
Click to expand...
An interesting answer, thanks for your thoughtfulness. I’ve read that passage in the Psalms dozens, if not hundreds, of times, but for some reason it didn’t come to mind when I was formulating my query.
 
Well if it’s in a concert setting and not a church setting, why is there any debate on it at all?

But in a church setting, the balance is delicate. I think the question you have to ask is “Am I trying to glorify God, or am I trying to make people think how good I am?” Yes, there can be very impressive technical feats, but your intention behind it will probably inform how it comes out.
 
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