The Sound Of Music
Every Sunday for more than 43 years, the Salt Lake Mormon Tabernacle Choir has broadcast one of the great joys of life – the sound of music. Today the Choir celebrates its 125th anniversary. The group began singing in 1847, beneath a wooden bowery in Salt Lake City. Over the years thousands have belonged to the Choir and millions of notes have been sung, all in an effort to express the joys of life through song.
“Music,” wrote Carlyle,” is well said to be the speech of angels; in fact, nothing among the utterances allowed to man is felt to be so divine. It brings us near to the infinite.”1 One sacred writing states: “For…[the Lord) delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto..[Him) and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.”2
Music affects everyone. All of us have fond memories related to music – countless experiences brought quickly to mind by a simple melody. Music moves and motivates us, and often we know not why.
Music can be a powerful force for good, and it can gently inspire us to higher plateaus and happier living. Yet, just as subtly, there is music that can slowly corrode man’s fiber. In the hands of some men, it has wrought much anguish and sorrow.
Perhaps the greatest virtue of music is its ability to communicate in the most universal language known to man. One does not always have to understand the words in order to get the message. Nor does one have to understand the musical mechanics in order for it to be meaningful. As Stokowski said, “… it is only necessary that one enjoy it.”3 Indeed, music is one of the simple pleasures of life which we can all enjoy and find companionship with.
In his poem, “The Song By the Way,” Mexican diplomat Francisco De lcaza wrote that though he was a foreigner in many lands, he was never alone as long as he could sing. He concluded by saying:
Ah, sad indeed that pilgrim’s lot
Who goes alone all day,
Nor has, for comrade of his march,
A song along the way!4
We all have need for songs along the way. But we must be sure that they are melodies that will comfort, encourage and guide us along paths of righteousness; indeed, songs that will be a delight to the Lord.
1Thomas Carlyle, Essays: The Opera
2Doctrine & Covenants 25:12
3Leopold Stokowski (1887- ) London-born musician
4Francisco A. De Icaza (1863-1924), The Song By the Way
August 27, 1972
Broadcast Number 2,240