In the 15th century Guillaume du Fay was a master of polyphonic music. Another 15th century composer, Adrian Willaert, was born in Roeselare where we will be visiting to preach in May. He spread the Franco-Flemish polyphonic music style to Italy.
Two composers from the city of Liege, Belgium spread their influence in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Eugene Ysaye was known as the “King of the Violin” and thus played pieces composed specifically for him by such as Debussy or his Belgian compatriot composer, Cesar Franck. More recently Django Reinhardt was well-known in jazz circles and gypsy jazz music.
On the Dutch side Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck composed music during the Baroque era. His compositions predate Bach and Handel who were both influenced by him. Constantijn Huygens was born at the end of the 16th century. He became a diplomat and poet as well as a musician and played for the Danish court, King James I of England and Willen II, Prince of Orange.
And of course there have been both Belgian and Dutch influences in popular music to this day. Many of these influences come from areas with which we work even today. More importantly, the members of the churches in Belgium and the Netherlands continue this joy of music and song in the songs we have for the churches.
Singing soothes the soul and teaches the heart. Throughout the history of the churches here members have collected songs to make sure that singing was an integral part of living with Christ. In more recent years this has meant that members have even composed songs to be sung by the churches.
Songs have been written for Bible camp and taken up in the church songbooks. The congregation in Maastricht held special days and weekend retreats where songs were also composed by the members. And Song Workshops have included training and opportunities to compose new songs.
The most recent efforts have now been made by Luk Brazle and I to get some of these songs online in various forms. Acapella versions are recorded so that churches can learn the songs and use them where needed. Versions using music notation help those who read music to learn the various voices as well. Above all, we want to encourage members to sing. These songs can be found on the YouTube channel set up for this. New songs as well as songs we use every week are in Dutch and English, for adults and kids, helping us to sing in our hearts.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:15-17
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