General Conference Music

"Inspirational music is an essential part of our church meetings. The hymns invite the Spirit of the Lord, create a feeling of reverence, unify us as members, and provide a way for us to offer praises to the Lord.

"Some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns. Hymns move us to repentance and good works, build testimony and faith, comfort the weary, console the mourning, and inspire us to endure to the end." ("Hymns," 1985, p. ix).

Never is that more true, I think, than at General Conference time, when the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings the songs of Zion. Say or think what you will about that organization (and I know it has its fair share of naysayers and detractors), but for me, it is the choir, and its music, that really brings the "Spirit of Conference."

The choir was true-to-form this weekend. What a nice "shout-out" President Hinckley gave to John Longhurst, one of the Tabernacle organists, who is retiring after serving 30 years. How wonderful for Brother Longhurst to accompany the choir as it sang perhaps his most venerable music, "I Believe in Christ," the text for which was written by Elder Bruce R. McConkie. Newly-called Tabernacle organist, Andrew Unsworth, had his first General Conference accompanying duty Sunday morning.

The most inspiring music came during the Priesthood Session, Saturday evening. The music during that session of conference never fails to uplift or bring the spirit. We are usually treated to great hymn arrangements by the likes of Mack Wilberg, and Ronald Staheli (who gave us last April's beautiful "I Love the Lord"). Last night, the choir of fathers and sons (yes, I know, not the Mormon Tabernacle Choir), sang "Redeemer of Israel" (Hymn No. 6, including the less-often sung 5th verse), "Sweet Is the Peace the Gospel Brings" (Hymn No. 14), and "We Ever Pray for Thee" (Hymn No. 23).

The latter hymn was especially touching. Originally written as a trio for girls' voices in celebration of President Wilford Woodruff's 90th birthday, until the 1985 Hymnal was published, it was only offered for women's voices. So, it was particularly poignant to hear all those fathers and sons sing this hymn to our living prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley.

Do you have a favorite General Conference music experience? We would love to hear about it! In a new series, "Let Us Know," we invite you to "let us know" about your experience. Just leave a comment. We hope by periodically sharing arts and music experiences through this blog, we can learn from each other, uplift each other, and strengthen our testimonies.

Geoff