For all of you “old-school” musicians who vehemently protest that modern worship music offers nothing of substance – certainly nothing that compares with the genius of Mozart and Beethoven – the Prague Symphony Orchestra is out to make you eat your words!
In their 2010 release, Symphony of Praise, the Prague Symphony Orchestra took over 80 hymns and worship songs and blended them seamlessly into three classical symphonic works. Including timeless classics, such as How Great Thou Art, as well as more recent worship songs such as Purify My Heart and Shine Jesus Shine, the album provides a beautiful example of a variety of instruments and musical styles all coming together in perfect harmony for a single, unified purpose: to give glory to God.
My wife gave me this album for Christmas this past year, and listening to it has led to times of sweet devotional meditation, as well as an appreciation for the artistry and attention to detail these composers have employed.
God In Three Persons – Perfect Trinity
Each aspect of the album has been carefully arranged to reflect the perfect, Trinitarian nature of God. Let me show you what I mean:
The album contains three discs, each of which contain a separate symphony dedicated to one member of the Godhead: I. God the Father, II. Jesus, Prince of Peace, and III. Holy Spirit of God.
Each symphony contains three movements, which reflect major works and character traits of each member of the Trinity. For example, the second symphony – Jesus, Prince of Peace – contains the following movements: I. The Incarnation; II. The Cross; III. The Resurrection.
One and Only God – Perfect Unity
It is obvious, however, that the overarching theme of these compositions is unity. Yes, there are three distinct aspects to God’s nature, and yet He still dwells in perfect unity as the One and Only God. This is a deep mystery, but is a wonderful example to us.
As a Christian body, we all have unique backgrounds, unique gifts, unique callings, and yes – even unique tastes. However, we are called to set an example for the world around us by dwelling in perfect unity. When this happens, we become a “living symphony,” and are able to bear God’s message to the world in a beautiful and compelling way.
“That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in me, and I in You; that they may also be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent me.” – John 17:21
“Live in harmony with one another.” – Romans 12:16
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” – Psalm 133:1
To listen to Symphony of Praise, you can use this link: http://www.last.fm/music/Prague+Symphony+Orchestra/Symphony+Of+Praise
The Artistic Christian 