It is imposible to overestimate the genius of the hymn tradition in Judeo-Christian liturgy. Each human body pushes its voice out into the space with singular effort, each voice rises and arcs into the envelope of the joined refrain, disappearing into the gathered whole. These are moments when ordinary grace reaches into extraordinary Grace. It perfectly describes to our senses our faithful role in the universe.
The ways a congregation goes about “doing” liturgical art are evolving. The model of the solitary artist, adrift in the existential ocean of monastic studio practice, are giving way to more collaborative approaches. But collaboration without some sort of informed guidance will be challenged in crafting a clear vision.
To see and read more about the process and its results, visit my blog: http://hopelitworks.blogspot.com/
erling hope