[HANASHIR:2131] Re: Sim Shalom canon

[jbgordon <jbgordon...>]

it seems to me that we have two responsibilities in choosing music for
others to sing. one, of course, is that the music be "successful,"
pretty, emotionally appropriate to the text, within the abilities of our
people.
we also have another, greater responsibility, as bearers of the culture
of our people. we aim to preserve our legacy  and keep it vital.
that is the challenge, and why i dont use dona nobis pacem in my shul
choir.
there are other sources of music, which use jewish materials and
re-vivify our jewish cultural life. if we dont use our melodic heritage,
who will?
i met a cantor years ago who proudly told me he used the (sleazy lounge
lizard) melody  "Feelings" for the Shabbat Musaf Kedusha. i still
cringe.
sometimes secular and alien melodies slip in, but that isnt what we
should aim for, do you think? so if we are aware, then, we should look
harder for something else. or write something. eventually, something
will come of it.
i think so, what do others think?
jonathan gordon