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Music Notes
The prelude this week, We Are Marching in the Light of God, is also known by its original title, Siyahamba. Sung for years in in South Africa, it was first transcribed in 1952. This song is frequently used as a liberation song around the world. It has been popular around the world since appearing in hymnals in the late 1980’s (including our own Hymns of Truth and Light). The composer, John Behnke (b. 1953). Behnke is a composer, organist, handbell clinician and festival director. He is Emeritus Professor of Music at Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin.
The postlude is by Hans-André Stamm (b.1958). Stamm is a composer working near Cologne in Germany. Although he is renowned for his interpretation of Bach, he produces a wide variety of music. His Allegria draws inspiration from Latin festivals in the Caribbean and Central and South America. It is an unusual style for the organ and Stamm seamlessly blends in the character of baroque music as well.
Enjoy!
--Michael Eaton
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