John, I
see the ancient Israelite musical past in terms of two
layers, and you don't, but let me say that your video of
Psalm 130 is one of the most astonishing things that I have
ever heard. Whoever wrote this music was in the very top
league of the world's composers.
If
bringing such a majestic composition to the world's
attention was the only thing you had ever done, and I know
how much more you HAVE done, you would still be of more
substance than most of the musicologists who are alive
today.
I know
you've felt tired and discouraged at times over the last few
years. If ever I have helped to discourage you, please
forgive me. Think well of your own labours. May the LORD
bless you in the days ahead as you work to realize the
entire musical corpus. I cannot put into words the fierce,
solemn joy which your video has brought me. All of us have
defining moments in our romantic, literary or musical
lives. Last night was one such moment for me.
Thank you
again, brother, and as Boaz said to Ruth, the LORD
recompense thy work. If anyone ever deserved to have his
scholarly work funded, you do.
Even Le
Corbusier points out that the tree will be judged by its
fruits. You know how the Psalmist says that at the LORD's
right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Last night I
got a real foretaste of one of those pleasures. What helped
me enormously was the superb presentation of the text. It
displayed your infinite capacity for taking pains. And you
know how people define that capacity in one word.
Your
friend,
David
