Re: Adon Olam et al

[jbgordon <jbgordon...>]

although there is a lot of truth in what you have to say about the banal
nature of a lot of pop music derieved  settings of noble liturgical
poetry, it is not quite fair to blame those who do their best  for their
creative efforts.  they only want  to express and elevate amcha's
ability to celebrate and pray. it is like blaming the chassidim for the
ignorance of the masses who flocked to them.
where are and were the cantors and scholars at summer camps and junior
congregations?
perfecting  their high notes and publishing monographs? summering in
bourgeois comfort?
pointing condescending fingers and congratulating themselves on their
own knowlege while so many hungry for torah  found another way to it?
who is to blame?
i think the best way to funcftion is to serve, and those who know how
should write and revive good congregational melodies that are true to
our tradition. if these new efforts are indeed better, they will  in
time replace the more mediocre versions some find objectionable.
pop music is like a time bomb, and the melodies that are were so Hip in
the 70s sound like bubble gum music in the 90s.  in thirty years only  a
few will sound anything but camp. trust the process and add to it.
it is not yours to condemn the work, and neither are you free to desist
from it.
jonathan g

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