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John Kuzma
Minister of Music
Genius or Madness?
"True wit is sure to madness near allied,
And thin partitions do their bounds divide."
Alexander Pope (1688-1744)
From An Essay on Criticism
On Sunday at 2:30 p.m., the Westminster Choir will be joined by the Colorado Symphony in an all Britten program. Benjamin Britten (1913 - 1976) was fascinated by the poetry of Christopher Smart (1722-1771), and notably the long poem Jubilate Agno (Rejoice in the Lamb). The poem remained unknown until it's discovery in the 1930's, when it became widely known to have been written when the poet was in Bedlam mental hospital.
The story doesn't end here. Christopher Smart, well learned in Latin, Greek and Hebrew and widely published, was the most brilliant when writing at Bedlam. And this ignited the long held debate about genius and madness. What do you think? Here is an example.
For I will consider my cat, Jeffrey,
For he is the servant of the living God
Duly and daily serving Him.
For this is done by wreathing his body seven times round, with elegant quickness, for he knows that God is his Saviour.
Henry Claman, MD will present a brief talk on the topic of "Genius & Madness in the poetry of Christopher Smart" immediately before Rejoice in the Lamb is performed.
Sunday, September 29th at 2:30 p.m.
Colorado Symphony Orchestra
& Westminster Choir,
John Kuzma, conducting.
Tickets at the door $25, $15
- Music of Benjamin Britten -
Simple Symphony
Festival Te Deum
Te Deum in C
Rejoice in the Lamb
Peace,
John
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The Rev. Ian Gregory Cummins
Lead Pastor of Spiritual Life
Hello Everyone,
In last week's "Note From..." email I mentioned that working on violence prevention here in Park Hill has proven to be more challenging that we had expected. Three days later, the director of The Prodigal Son (the gang-prevention organization we had begun working with) was arrested for shooting and critically injuring someone at the new Boys and Girls Club at 33rd and Holly.
It is important to remember that we don't know the whole story. Yet, whatever the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking outcome, one thing is clear: the problems that lead to violence, especially gang-related violence, are deep, pervasive, and will not be easily solved. Making a difference here in Park Hill will require a long-term commitment to build relationships and understanding. Montview has an opportunity and, I think, an obligation to work toward the day when all the children of this community, whether they live on 17th or on 33rd, feel safe in their own neighborhood. I ask you to reflect, as I will, on what we can do.
Grace and goodness,
Ian
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