The one aim of all evangelistic singing should be to present the full meaning of Christ and His salvation so effectively and so earnestly that the hearts of listeners are stirred to a realization of a need to accept Him fully. We read in the book Evangelism: "The science of salvation is to be the burden of every sermon, the theme of every song. Let it be poured forth in every supplication."—Page 502.
The gospel soloist searches the depths of his own heart and interprets his personal experience through the words and the melody of his song. He pours forth his message in such a way that its full meaning is felt in the hearts of its hearers.
The choir cannot carry its song as easily as the soloist. The choir is composed of many types of individuals with varied voice qualities, and, to a degree, with different depths of religious experience. Were they to interpret each song according to their own Christian experience, the result would be without effect, for varying emotions and religious convictions would be portrayed at the one time.
How then can an evangelistic choir carry out its purpose to full effect? The choir leader is able to do this by using the choir as his instrument. As the soloist interprets his own experience in the experience of the song, using his own voice to transfer that message, so the choir leader interprets his own experience in the experience of the song, using a group of voices to transfer that message. Let us think of it this way: The choir leader is seeking to reach every heart he can through the singing of his choir.
It can be seen, then, that to fulfill his task as a true evangelist, the choir leader must place personal consecration before everything else. This is of tremendous importance, for it is only from the depths of his own experience that he can transfer music of soul-saving power to the audience. He must know the power of prayer. He must realize the fullness of salvation. He must understand the place that Jesus fills in a consecrated life. Then, and then only, can he begin to convey through choral singing something that has power to save others. The souls of men are in the balance. But so often we are inclined to let a poor standard of choral singing prevent the very power of God with which we want to reach the people.
Quoting from Evangelism again: "We should endeavor in our songs of praise to approach as nearly as possible to the harmony of the heavenly choirs."—Page 507. I should imagine the heavenly choirs to be the very embodiment of spiritual and musical perfection. Here we have a high standard set before us. Let us not neglect the things that make choral singing effective. They surely help to convey spiritual power and experience—"the harmony of heavenly choirs." Surely the choir leader should develop in his choir a balance of parts that is so smooth and clean that there are no jagged parts standing out to annoy and prevent the interpretation that is desired. The piercing, shrill tone of an unbalanced upper part might ruin the chances of conveying a message to some person with a musical mind.
We must include blend of parts with balance of singing. Tones should sound alike—full and round, bringing richness and beauty. Rhythm carries the pulsating throb of the music. We should realize the value it has in carrying the melody of the song.
Every feeling the song stimulates in the heart of the choir leader should be revealed in the singing of the choir. "Music should have beauty, pathos, and power."—Ibid., p. 505. Let the whole song breathe its predominating mood. The previous factors all have a bearing on this, but the sounding of the words plays a still more important part.
"It is not loud singing that is needed, but clear intonation, correct pronunciation, and distinct utterance." The words of a song should sound their meaning as words, as phrases, and as sentences. Pronunciation should be clear and pure. The melody should be carried on the vowel sounds, thus giving them as much length of sound as possible. Remember, consonants need only introduce and finish the vowel sound.
There are many other factors one could mention. Suffice it to say that surely we who carry to this world the best message it can ever hear can offer the best gospel choral music, with God's help, and an experience rich and deep in our own hearts, combined with a true understanding of choral technique. To carry the message entrusted us, we must present music that will convict and convert
