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Trinity Chancel Choir; Dr. Julia Davids, director; Susan Saylor, flute; Teresa Suen, harp; Matthew Coley, percussion; Craig Trompeter, violoncello; Zvonimir Nagy, organ

For a musician often associated with the sacred, the words of the hymn Wondrous Love hold special meaning for me. With the highly spiritual components inherent in this hymn, its verses directly relate to John 15:13, where Christ says that “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Indeed, such is the abundance of Christ’s divine grace that all other endearments we might encounter are but mere echos of His true and marvelous love. What wondrous love is this, so great and sublime that despite suffering and death, we are free to sing on! I also feel close with this hymn not only because of its clear theological message, but also its musical implications. Akin to early Christian chant singers, this exquisite melody will never reveal its composer. What a divine labor it was to offer us a tune so beautiful, yet still remain anonymous! To me, music is a language of mystical love. Together with a wondrous love for life, song and praise are the main spiritual components I find indispensable both in sacred music and my life.

I am grateful to Dr. Julia Davids, Trinity Chancel Choir and Trinity Church for commissioning this piece.