The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.
—Mark 6:30-32
Southwest Airlines has an ad campaign known simply as “Wanna get away?” Of course we do! We can all reap benefits by stepping away from the buzz and din of the world. The getaway I’m referring to is not the tropical island vacation of a lifetime. No, this one is available to you right now, wherever you are. No planes, packing, or prepping. It’s giving ourselves permission to step away to a quiet place with Jesus at our side. Jesus understood the necessity of quiet. We can gain so much by unplugging from the world, relinquishing our perceived sense of control, and listening to what God has to say to us. When we commit ourselves to being at one with our Creator, we understand at a deep level that we are enough simply by virtue of being a child of God.
As fellow musicians, we can identify with both Mozart and Debussy, both of whom explored the idea that music is often found in the silence between the notes. John Cage’s infamous 4′33″ highlights just how uncomfortable and out of sorts we are with silence.
Being silent is a challenge in our world. Society encourages us to be constantly connected, taking great pains to hardwire us to visual and aural stimulation. From 24/7 streaming platforms to doctor’s office waiting rooms, elevators, grocery stores, and restaurants, music as a commodity bombards our senses everywhere we turn. I recently traveled to conduct a festival. While waiting at the airport, I was amazed at how many travelers made their journey with airpods or other types of headphones (I must admit, I was one of them!). In preparing to conduct for that festival, I spent a good deal of time silently reviewing the music scores. I reviewed the music, page by page, following the rise and fall of the melodic lines, the interweaving and shifting of harmonies, listening for all of this in my mind’s ear. Each of us can foster inner listening where music resonates on a spiritual level. Our stillness allows us to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of music.
Church musicians are tasked with providing glorious music in worship. We work diligently to provide music that is our very best, polished and gleaming with beauty, crafted with excellence. While we are so focused on the act of creating sound, perhaps we would do well to make more space for being silent. In doing so we can move beyond the notes and rhythms and take the opportunity to create a closer connection with God.
The passage from Mark listed above is not the only time Jesus embraced silence. We read in Luke 4 that at the beginning of his ministry, Jesus went into the wilderness alone, praying and fasting for 40 days and nights. This was time spent apart and in deep communion with God. In Matthew 26, after the Last Supper, Jesus went with his disciples to Gethsemane, imploring them to watch and pray while he gathered strength for the difficult journey ahead.
Stillness gives us time to truly listen to music. This inner voice of calm allows for deeper connection to the text of choral music and to the One for whom it was written. Stillness in sacred music provides inspiration and encourages reflection by reserving space to contemplate faith and our relationship with God. When church musicians are still within themselves, we are more attuned to one another and to the still, small voice of God whispering within. Wanna get away? The psalmist knew the best way to do this is to “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
