I have been doing a lot of thinking lately. Not so much along what is the meaning of life, but more along what is the purpose of the prelude and postlude. Granted, for church musicians that could be similar to the meaning of life.
I always find it interesting to observe the practice of various churches during the prelude and postlude. Some churches everyone listens to the music with an utmost reverence to the music. Other churches it may not even be there. Usually churches are somewhere between those two extremes. I have served churches pretty much everywhere on the spectrum. My preferences tend to be more towards them listening to what I play. This does not mean that I am giving a concert every week. That is NOT me. I try to have my selections work with the worship service in the hopes they aid and enhance worship, not detract from the service.
To me, the prelude and postlude are a part of the service. Does that mean that everyone needs to be seated for the entire thing? No. But there should be a sense of respect for the work put in by the musician. This respect should be earned, and after that point it should be honored. It's only fair for the work that has gone into their musical offering.
I know that not everyone can stay and listen to every single note. That would be asking a lot, and frankly, sometimes that can be rather frightening to realize that everyone is listening to you. No pressure. Even if they're appreciative, it can still be intimidating. But I would rather have that than everyone leaving quickly and not really paying attention.
I should head to bed, but I just wanted to get this out there. Thanks for reading.
