Justin Bachmann Senior Voice Recital Highlights
Under the direction of Dean Kurtz, Justin Bachmann performed his senior voice recital. To be sure, this performance showed Bachmann’s dedication to his craft of singing. He said, “My favorite pastime is making music with my voice, and it has been a great adventure studying the vocal instrument.” After completing his music degree with concentrations in arranging and church music, he plans to minister in the local church as a music pastor.
I Never Saw a Moor
First, perhaps Bachmann’s favorite performance of the night was Douglas E. Warner’s “I Never Saw a Moor.” Bachmann explained this song’s powerful allegory. “This mysterious text presents a reflection on the existence of God,” he said. “The poet claims that even though he has not seen a moor or the sea in person, he knows what they must look like because of the witness of others. Similarly, although the poet has not spoken with God or seen heaven, he is as certain of his encounters with Him as if a map had been placed in front of him.”
If You’ve Only Got a Mustache
Bachmann also included some humorous arrangements, such as “If You’ve Only Got a Mustache,” by Stephen Foster. “Foster is often labeled ‘the father of American music’ because he contributed so much to the folk song culture in early America,” said Bachmann. “This particular piece is a comic song designed to help struggling young men find a bride.”
Peter, Go Ring Them Bells
Finally, “Peter, Go Ring Them Bells,” a traditional spiritual arranged by Mark Hayes, rounded out the evening. “The lively tune and upbeat rhythm of this classic Spiritual excite hearts and minds as we look forward to heaven,” said Bachmann. In John 14:1-3, Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” Listen to this song and praise God for the glory to come!