Lent

I always find Lent to be one of the better parts of the year. Yes, partly due to the fact that the Tourny is taking place, but mostly because of the music. There is just something about Lenten music that is so beautiful. The starting point would have to be the fact that pretty much every single piece is in a minor key. There is just something about how the harmonies flow better and crisper in a piece written in a minor key. They say that D minor is the saddest key, well Spinal Tap says it atleast, but it still doesn't hold a match to the quality of A minor. Maybe it is because some of my favorite songs are written in that key. ("When David Heard"- Eric Whitacre "All Along the Watchtower" - Bob Dylan "Stairway to Heaven"-Led Zeppelin "Blindman" just to name a few...) Maybe, though, they appeal to me because they are written in A minor. But anyway, back to the music of Lent. The best pieces in Lent use a Picardi 3rd to end them. This is where on the last chord of the song, the tonic, (or "do") you raise the 3rd, making it a major chord. I have come across many music majors who love to argue the fact that it is a cliche ending, and it is too corny. But alas, it is the perfect ending to a Lenten peice. It gives that hope that we have in Christ Resurection. Granted it has to be done properly, "By My Side" from Godspell does it to absolute perfection, but I don't think there is a more fitting progression to end a piece. So enjoy the season, for this is what is the true foundation and begining of our beliefs as Christians, not Christmas, but Easter...