[HANASHIR:2118] adapting musical settings

[Janet . PAPE <Janet.PAPE...>]

I have been thinking about Rachelle's using Dona Nobis Pacem with Sim Shalom
words substituted during a service. (I have no problem with using it in a
rehearsal.)  It bothers me, and would bother me tremendously if I were to
attend services and heard this sung.  I love the piece, have sung it in
school, choirs, churches and girl scout campfires since I was a girl.  It
has a lovely, calming, peaceful effect for singers and listeners.

BUT...

It raises a question.  It's like that V'shamru setting in Gates of Song that
I also sang as child that has lullaby words (I don't have GOS with me at
work -it's the one that says, "South African folk song".  It's also a sweet
melody and I can see why Werner wanted to use it.

Don't we have enough music and enough composers from our own tradition?  Do
we have to (so blatantly)  import other influences?  I say this, recognizing
that our music unavoidably has influences from many, many cultures,  of both
secular and sacred origins.  I don't want to hear church music in a
synagogue, period.  It's the association.

It's just a thought, to stimulate dialogue. How do others feel?

Janet