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The slow death of congregational singing - 9/23/2008 3:05:26 PM
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crankius
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The slow death of congregational singing by Michael Raiter
quote:
It seems like genuine, heartfelt congregational singing is experiencing its dying gasps. But why does it matter and why should we care? Mike Raiter brings us back to the Bible to inject our singing with new life.
From the end of the article:
quote:
Reclaim
Thirdly, it's time to reclaim congregational singing. As I indicated in my opening words, I'm at the point of despair with congregational singing. It's only because I've flown first class once or twice (upgraded, of course) that I find economy air travel so awful. Similarly, it's only because I've experienced true congregational singing—singing where the people of God are taught and led to truly sing—that I find it hard to endure the drab alternative that characterizes most gatherings. Of course, first class air travel is for the elite; edifying singing should be for all the saints.
It's time for congregations to sensitively but firmly rise up and reclaim congregational singing. We must remind song leaders (or, perhaps, teach them in the first place) the purpose of their ministry. Putting a microphone in the hands of someone who can sing no more makes her a song leader than, as the old proverb goes, sticking someone in a garage makes him a car. All the microphone does is make someone a very loud singer. The ministry of the song leader is, surely, to guide and lead the people of God in singing. The role of the song leader is to help us to sing, and they will know if they have fulfilled that ministry when they can hardly be heard because of the praises of the congregation filling the room.
I liken the ministry of song leaders to that of John the Baptist. They must decrease as the people of God increase (John 3:30). When the song begins, we may hear the voices of the leaders and the sounds of the instruments, but by the end of the song, it is the voices of the people of God that should dominate.
But sadly, in most churches, the very opposite is happening: John the Baptist won't leave the stage. John the Baptist has forgotten why he's come. As I travel around visiting churches, I've noticed again and again that, for all their good intentions (and the vast majority are, I believe, well-intentioned), the music teams are killing congregational singing. I know that sounds harsh, but I see it in case after case. I enjoy the sound of an electric piano, the beat of the drums, the rhythm of the guitars, and the backing of the saxes and flutes, but my favourite instrument is the human voice. Nothing lifts my soul like being a part of 50— 100—300 saints in full voice, singing the praises of God and the glories of the gospel. Unfortunately that's a disappointingly rare experience.
As music teams increase, is congregational singing decreasing?
Has our current concept of music teams helped worship or hurt worship?
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Do not be overly righteous, Nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself?
Ecclesiastes 7:16
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/23/2008 3:11:47 PM
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stateofgrace
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In many contemporary services, congregational singing has more of an emphasis, not less.
In our AofG church, the "traditional" service includes an 80 to 100 member choir and (IMO) somewhat "performance-styled" song leading. Our "contemporary" services have a 5 piece band with one or two people leading the singing in a more low-key manner. Therefore by the very way the worship is being led, there is less emphasis on the worship leaders in the contemporary service.
But then again, AofG folks tend to know how to sing. I grew up in a United Methodist Church, and my dad was like the only person in the congregation that could be heard singing. Unfortunately, dear Dad can't carry a tune, and never could.
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/23/2008 3:16:37 PM
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GroupW
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Although a lot of my posts seem to come from the liberal side of things, I have a strong conservative tendency in my worship style. I miss having music to read. I miss being able to sing the tenor's part. I miss old hyms by Luther and Bach. I miss some of the poetry in that music. In today's style of worship music, the folks playing the music are expected to be able to pick out the harmonies on their own just based on their knowledge of chords. That tends to leave out the rest of us that actually need music.
That said, it's just a style thing. I'm not sure it either helps or hinders our expression of faith and worship.
What I have noticed, however, is that there is a significant decrease in the level of participation in worship. In larger churches that I've gone to, worship appears to be more something that I observe rather than something that I do. This is way, way more than just a style thing and it's not good. It reflects a philosophy of what the church really is that I fundamentally disagree with. First and foremost, the church is a community of people who get together because they love each other, love God, and wish to serve him. It's something we do, not something we observe. It's communal worship.
I think the decline of congregational singing is a symptom of a deeper flawed philosophy of what church is. I'm not sure that music teams per se are part of the problem, but just the outward manifestation of a deeper issue & a misunderstanding of what church is supposed to be.
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/23/2008 3:16:46 PM
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1love1God1way
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I think sometimes it's a bit strange that we have musicians stand up front, and an entire congregation sings facing this band on the stage. . .
Worship needs to be treated a little less like a concert, IMO.
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/23/2008 3:18:09 PM
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GroupW
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'xactly.
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“For every problem, there is a solution that is simple, elegant and wrong.” -H.L. Mencken
"Most people would rather die than think; in fact, they do so." -Bertrand Russell
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/23/2008 5:36:07 PM
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rcjames
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We try to combine congregational singing (hyms), more modern Praise and Worship, and some specials. We do not plan anything, we just do it as it comes by.
Thanks
RC
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/23/2008 5:40:02 PM
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GroupW
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I like this approach best since it honors everyone of every age. The pastor of a former church said it best - "We love each other by singing each other's music."
_____________________________
“For every problem, there is a solution that is simple, elegant and wrong.” -H.L. Mencken
"Most people would rather die than think; in fact, they do so." -Bertrand Russell
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/23/2008 5:58:52 PM
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TrustingGod
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I belong to Nazarene church and we have a large choir, band (flute, saxes, trumpets, trombones, guitars, drums, keyboard, piano), worship team and worship leader. GREAT music ministry. Our music leader is truly a worship leader. He helps us prepare for corporate worship, prepares for prayer time, prepares for the message time - through the tempo/message of the songs.
If congregants aren't joining in worship, why is it the fault of the worship leader/choir? Shouldn't they just join in???
We are fortunate that we have both contempary and traditional songs during worship. I think that the style of music/worship should be part of why you look for a church. I came from a church that was very traditional (very slow) in music - I thought it was fine until I experienced something else. I don't think they are "wrong" just different.
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/23/2008 8:29:49 PM
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crankius
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quote:
If congregants aren't joining in worship, why is it the fault of the worship leader/choir? Shouldn't they just join in???
The more impressive the show up front, the more the people sit back and enjoy the show. The music is loud, and the room is full of the sounds of the show up front, so the feel and sound of true congregational singing is lost.
Amplification probably hasn't helped with this problem. While it's nice to have amplification from a performance standpoint, it certainly has taken away from the congregational singing experience that many of us remember growing up.
I have enjoyed being part of a couple of churches where the singing was definitely more congregational, because the worship team didn't drown out the congregation.
But it seems the natural progression for every church these days to seek after the larger, more impressive, louder music team up front.
_____________________________
Do not be overly righteous, Nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself?
Ecclesiastes 7:16
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/23/2008 8:31:41 PM
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crankius
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quote:
ORIGINAL: 1love1God1way
I think sometimes it's a bit strange that we have musicians stand up front, and an entire congregation sings facing this band on the stage. . .
Worship needs to be treated a little less like a concert, IMO.
Yes!
I've been on music teams many times.
My most favorite experience was in a church where I and the other musicians were off to the side, in the front corner, facing the front. I loved it! I could play, sing, and not feel like a concert. The people sang so much more too!
_____________________________
Do not be overly righteous, Nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself?
Ecclesiastes 7:16
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/23/2008 11:44:24 PM
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lw9
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quote:
Crankius: But it seems the natural progression for every church these days to seek after the larger, more impressive, louder music team up front.
Wow... our church must be really out of touch. No music team, no band, no stage. We all sing together, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I totally understand and share in your concern.
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/24/2008 12:50:34 AM
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cog41
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quote:
ORIGINAL: crankius
quote:
ORIGINAL: 1love1God1way
I think sometimes it's a bit strange that we have musicians stand up front, and an entire congregation sings facing this band on the stage. . .
Worship needs to be treated a little less like a concert, IMO.
Yes!
I've been on music teams many times.
My most favorite experience was in a church where I and the other musicians were off to the side, in the front corner, facing the front. I loved it! I could play, sing, and not feel like a concert. The people sang so much more too!
Great! I look forward to making the recommendation.
We sing mostly praise and worship,and the hymns are sang with a little uptempo.
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/24/2008 1:02:33 AM
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GroupW
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quote:
ORIGINAL: crankius
The more impressive the show up front, the more the people sit back and enjoy the show.
Exactly!
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“For every problem, there is a solution that is simple, elegant and wrong.” -H.L. Mencken
"Most people would rather die than think; in fact, they do so." -Bertrand Russell
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/24/2008 10:25:54 AM
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stateofgrace
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quote:
ORIGINAL: crankius
My most favorite experience was in a church where I and the other musicians were off to the side, in the front corner, facing the front. I loved it! I could play, sing, and not feel like a concert. The people sang so much more too!
The church in which I was raised had the choir and the organ in the back of the church (which doesn't seem to be typical for Methodist churches, from what I've seen). I really didn't like not being able to see the choir as it sang. I think we pick up visual cues when people sing that enhance the experience.
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/24/2008 10:41:35 AM
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crankius
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There were only a few of us (not a big choir), and the music leader was in the front corner facing us, so anyone in the congregation who wanted to watch for cues could easily watch him.
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Do not be overly righteous, Nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself?
Ecclesiastes 7:16
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/24/2008 11:43:38 AM
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Lapidoth
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quote:
I think that the style of music/worship should be part of why you look for a church.
quote:
But it seems the natural progression for every church these days to seek after the larger, more impressive, louder music team up front.
If you have attended any "How to grow a church" seminars,
one of the first things (perhaps the biggest thing) is to go out
into the community and see what kind of music they like. Then
arrange and give them the style of music they want.
If it's country, give them country gospel.
If it's rock and roll, give them rock gospel.
If it's bluegrass, give them bluegrass gospel.
etc. etc. etc. etc.
The instructors boast was that he can take any church running
200 and have them over 2,000 before the year is out.
I left that seminar disgusted.
It is true, that people attend the church with the best music.
What they are actually doing is attending the church with the
best "entertainment." All churches don't fall in the generalization,
but it is pretty general. Ask people why they attend such and such.
"I like the music."
IMOH, a worship leader should be some one who worships.
And as someone said, the people have to enter in. You can lead
a horse to water. If the people don't have worship in them, they
won't be expressing worship. A contrite heart sheds the tears in
appreciation and glory to the One who saved them.
I had the displeasure of attending the latest hip church system a
few months back. They handed out ear-plugs. And even with that,
the music was deafening. And I was expected to worship with my
ear drums being destroyed?
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/24/2008 11:57:20 AM
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crankius
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Interesting, Lapidoth.
Just curious: did the seminar say anything about music abilities in the musicians? How were the churches to get the qualified musicians?
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Do not be overly righteous, Nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself?
Ecclesiastes 7:16
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/24/2008 12:28:15 PM
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Lapidoth
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quote:
ORIGINAL: crankius
Interesting, Lapidoth.
Just curious: did the seminar say anything about music abilities in the musicians? How were the churches to get the qualified musicians?
This was ten or fifteen years ago.
They really didn't say much about being qualified.
It was more in finding out what people "wanted" and giving it to them.
I've been in numerous churches full of wanna-bes.
I did attend a mega church that you had to audition to play
in the main service. I believe there are times when talent
plays a huge roll. That didn't mean you couldn't use your talent
in the church. They had many departments that used live bands.
It would also show whether a musician wanted to "serve" or be "seen."
If they had to be on the main stage or nothing, said a lot about them.
I loved the awesome praise and worship that church had, but my appeal
there was in the teaching of the pastors. I went for the Word. The music
was just a nice bonus.
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Why does He keep quoting Torah? Doesn't He know He's about to abolish it?
http://www.tedpearce.com/Videos/TheForgottenpeople.html
BARUCH HABA BASHEM YAHUAH
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/24/2008 12:32:09 PM
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stampinlady
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THe church we currently attend is a singing church, well not untill the Pastor reprimanded us for not singing. It's a mega church and the music is professional, but too loud for us. I like that they encourage those with a music gift to use their gift, but it tends to seem too entertaining. We left a "fundy" church that sang only hymns and sang them well, but no clapping or hand raising, which didn't fly with me. Dh isn't into the music as much as I.
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/24/2008 12:39:10 PM
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jazzact13
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If I may offer a contrarian's viewpoint... 
I guess I would ask, first, what is the role biblically that music and singing are to play in a church service? Let us go ahead and say that, as there is a book of Psalms and some of those say a bit about the use of instruments, that music does have a place, and probably an important one. But what is the role of musicians, and what about should the congregation's responses and responsibilities be?
For example, if I remember correctly, the OT tabernacle and temple had trained musicians who would sing and play. I really don't remember if there is anything about the other people being involved in it, or in what ways. Perhaps someone here could shed some light on that.
And from the NT, I don't recall much about how music is to be used in services.
I guess my main point is, why is it important that the people in the congregation sing? Or to put it another way, is the important thing to get the people to sing, or to worship God? I know that for myself, there are times, and quite often, when the singing is more a distraction then a help, and so I will not sing, but I don't think that equates into me being a non-participant who is only watching the show.
Of course, people may sing if such is how they would worship best.
< Message edited by jazzact13 -- 9/24/2008 1:27:42 PM >
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/24/2008 12:40:04 PM
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sue244
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quote:
ORIGINAL: lw9
quote:
Crankius: But it seems the natural progression for every church these days to seek after the larger, more impressive, louder music team up front.
Wow... our church must be really out of touch. No music team, no band, no stage. We all sing together, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I totally understand and share in your concern.
Well lw9 your church can be out of touch with my church. We do things the same way. Just a piano and one person up there to keep everyone on tempo and he is not miked.
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/24/2008 12:57:02 PM
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Lapidoth
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quote:
ORIGINAL: sue244
quote:
ORIGINAL: lw9
quote:
Crankius: But it seems the natural progression for every church these days to seek after the larger, more impressive, louder music team up front.
Wow... our church must be really out of touch. No music team, no band, no stage. We all sing together, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I totally understand and share in your concern.
Well lw9 your church can be out of touch with my church. We do things the same way. Just a piano and one person up there to keep everyone on tempo and he is not miked.
Well, that's me. LOL.
Except I do have a mike, but half the time I forget to turn it on. lol.
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Why does He keep quoting Torah? Doesn't He know He's about to abolish it?
http://www.tedpearce.com/Videos/TheForgottenpeople.html
BARUCH HABA BASHEM YAHUAH
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/24/2008 12:59:58 PM
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Lapidoth
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quote:
For example, if I remember correctly, the OT tabernacle and temple had trained musicians who would sing and play. I really don't remember if there is anything about the other people being involved in it, or in what ways. Perhaps someone here could shed some light on that.
I do recall 24 courses of priests and musicians that worship 24/7 in shifts.
The best time of worship I have is when I'm alone at the church at night.
It would be awesome if our musicians of today were willing to just play
and worship the Lord 24/7. I can't imagine the blow-out services that
might happen.
_____________________________
Why does He keep quoting Torah? Doesn't He know He's about to abolish it?
http://www.tedpearce.com/Videos/TheForgottenpeople.html
BARUCH HABA BASHEM YAHUAH
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/24/2008 1:05:47 PM
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crankius
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Jazz,
I'm so glad you posted. I would really like to discuss these things.
I can answer your question about the OT. (at least partially  )
In the OT, the Levites were the chosen ones (by David) for music in the temple. They chose one person as their music leader because he was skilled.
1Ch 15:16 - Then David spoke to the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers accompanied by instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, by raising the voice with resounding joy.
1Ch 15:22 - Chenaniah, leader of the Levites, was instructor in charge of the music, because he was skillful
< Message edited by crankius -- 9/24/2008 1:16:45 PM >
_____________________________
Do not be overly righteous, Nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself?
Ecclesiastes 7:16
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
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RE: The slow death of congregational singing - 9/24/2008 1:26:15 PM
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jazzact13
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It could be interesting, crankius.
Do you know anything about how the songs were sung in the OT times? I do remember reading somewhere where some of the Psalms may have had a call-and-response type of thing, but it was unclear whether that was between a choir and congregation or between two choirs.
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