God gives gifts to men and men glorify him by excelling in those gifts – whether they’re saved or not. All people bear God’s image (marred, yes, but God’s image nonetheless) and when they reflect his creativity and beauty and joy through musical talents, that brings glory to their Maker.
I thoroughly enjoyed the King’s Singers Christmas concert I heard last night. It was hands-down the best classical concert I’ve attended (and I’ve been to a few thanks to my alma mater’s Artist Series programs)! I’ve been a fan for a few years and jumped at the opportunity to go to a live concert. It was held at Clemson University’s Brooks Center – a beautiful hall with excellent sound. I’ll definitely be watching their schedule for future concerts.
But the King’s Singers – they were phenomenal! They had chosen a balanced program of familiar Christmas favorites, little-known carols from past eras and seasonal songs from a variety of countries. I could describe them, but really, an audio sample is worth a thousand words! Let me highlight a few of my favorite selections from the concert; the links will point you to Amazon’s MP3 Store and the iTunes Store (if available).
Lullay, My Liking Amazon | iTunes
The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) Amazon | iTunes
Gaudete, Christus Is Natus Amazon | iTunes
What Child Is This? Amazon | iTunes
Note about “What Child Is This?”: at the concert, the King’s Singers performed the beautiful Greensleeves arrangement heard in the sample – but with the Christmas text. Their recordings, however, only use the English folk song lyrics. During the concert, I was especially blessed by the salvation truths of the words to “What Child Is This?” and it is certainly my favorite song from the program. When they record their next Christmas CD (no, the first four are not enough!), I sincerely hope that the CD will contain this beautiful arrangement with the Christmas words!
And to top off a perfectly wonderful concert, the Singers were in the lobby signing autographs, talking with concert-goers and being genuinely friendly people. Thank you, King’s Singers, for a splendid evening!
