More About Resounding Voices
Welcome to the Blog portion of our website!
The Women’s Sacred Music Project was proud to publish “Resounding Voices” a little over a year ago. We presented it last year in several gatherings of musicians and worship leaders. In coming months, we intend to publish blogs that will introduce a song, a part of the collection, or some of the broader issues surrounding women’s contributions to worship.
In many traditions the worship services in November include attention to autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, perhaps a celebration of those who have died, and often some thanksgiving for the blessings of the year.
Here is what Victoria R. Sirota wrote about her song “I, John, your Beloved Brother” (The New Jerusalem):
The poetry is based on Revelation 1:9-11; 21:2-4; 22:5. As Vicar and Canon Pastor at The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City, I wrote this text for the November 30, 2008, reopening of the Cathedral after it had been thoroughly cleaned from a fire that had broken out in its bookstore in December 2001. New York City felt fragile after the destruction of the World Trade Towers. This hymn evokes the vision of the Cathedral as part of the Morningside Heights City on a Hill as well as the image in Revelation of the New Jerusalem. The last verse was written on October 26, 2008, the day my mother Ruth B. Ressmeyer, a deacon in the Lutheran Church, died. Her life of service reminded me that “we shall be the New Jerusalem.” My husband Robert Sirota composed the music for this grand festive reopening and orchestrated it for organ, brass, and timpani.
Please use the Contact Us link on this website for your reactions. Note also that you are invited to our January Roundtable, “Sacred Sounds, Sacred Voices,” accessible under the Resources tab.
“Awaken” is a lovely morning prayer by Cantor Ellen Dreskin. In a group setting, it is easily introduced by a single singer, perhaps with a guitar or simple keyboard background. Dreskin provided these notes about the piece:
Judaism invites one to begin the day with a personal prayer (Modeh Ani) expressing gratitude to the Source of all Life and Existence that my soul has been metaphorically enlivened in me once again. This day holds a unique opportunity for me to be a letter in the infinite story that is the Book of Life, and my presence in this day may shape the story in ways I cannot begin to imagine. This same piece of liturgy ends with the Hebrew words, “rabba emunatecha / great is Your faith.” I have barely opened my eyes, and I am aware that something is counting on me. May my gratitude lead me to bring my best self, as much as I can, to every day, in whatever time I am here.
The melody is meant to be almost immediately accessible. It is meant to capture the optimism and opportunities of the coming day. The minor chord, used only in the last two measures, is a loving reminder of the temporal nature of this human journey.