Music Matters

February 2012

What Is a Postlude?
Does Anyone Listen? Does Anyone Care?

Unless an organist/pianist has the opportunity to attend and play at a congregation that stresses silence when exiting the sanctuary, they may unfortunately often experience loud talking, chatter, hustle and bustle of the congregation as people make a mad dash out the door after the closing "Amen." The postlude may become more like background music and as church musicians we may think or ask, “Is anyone listening?” This can be frustrating, but just because everyone is leaving doesn’t mean no one is listening. So how can we approach this particular situation?

• Most importantly, we need to remember we are playing for God and the edification of his people. If the congregation leaves or stays in the sanctuary talking and socializing, the message that we convey is that we are still offering our best music to God.
  
  
• Postlude music should reflect the spirit of the meeting and should never be approached as an afterthought. If the meeting was quiet and reverent, the postlude music should also be quiet and reverent. If the meeting was jubilant and full of praise, the postlude music should also reflect jubilation and praise. I have found that when the postlude is chosen for its relationship to the theme or sermon of the day, there will always be a few people who will have their spirits uplifted and touched. Some may decide to stay and reflect on what has transpired or even come to the piano or organ console and share their appreciation verbally.
  
  
• If chattering becomes a huge problem, consider playing a more meditative, quiet postlude, it’s a great way to keep people praying and reflecting on what has just transpired. The postlude should function as the last musical commentary on the entire service. I’ve had many experiences where people have come to me said, “Wow…what a wonderful way to end the service” and then I hear them singing or humming the tune that was played.
  
  
• Finally there is the personal part. It’s enjoyable to play pieces of music; it helps one stay in practice. It helps the musician develop more skill, whether it’s sight-reading, registration, improvisation, or some other skill. A postlude doesn’t have to be a mammoth 5-minute work by a major composer; sometimes only 1 or 2 minutes of music is needed. Believing in the words of the song you’re playing, and allowing God's spirit to work with you, causes you to play so that the people listening feel what you’re feeling. You can actually express your emotions through the way you play the song.

Remember, the postlude can be just as important as the prelude in providing ministry and in the sending forth of the people.

—Jeff King

If you have suggestions or ideas for future columns, please contact:

Jan Kraybill
Principal Organist
Community of Christ Headquarters
Independence, MO, USA

or

Pam Robison
Worship and Music Support Specialist
Community of Christ Headquarters
Independence, MO, USA