Unfinished Sermons: a Parable for Church Performance
Music by Maurice Saylor
Libretto by Phillip Grace
Cast
Jerett Gieseler..............................................................Dr. Fitzgerald
Adam Hall.................................................................................Daniel
Rachel Evangeline Barham...........Mrs. Simpson/Angelic Voice
Directors
Jay D. Brock..............................................................Stage Director
Dan Walshaw...........................................................Music Director
Ensemble
Andrew Earle Simpson........................................................Organ
Donald Spinelli.............................................................Percussion
Premiere production: November 13-14, 2009,at Walker Chapel United Methodist Church in Arlington, VA.
About the Opera
This opera represents a narrative that is being
worked out in countless congregations across the country. It is the
story of two people - one grounded in tradition, the other excited by
new conceptions of faith. There is also a third voice, the chorus. On
the simplest, human level, it represents the spirit and wisdom of the
everyday faithful, who are often caught between the contentions of these
two polarities - yet through their steadfast and simple devotion hold
possible clues to a resolution. On another level, the chorus also
represents the ageless voice of wisdom, reminding us that there is a
greater ground of faith which holds us all together in this grand
tension while affirming timeless truths.
In support of the work's theme, the score blends new musical ideas with
traditional sounds. The tension of this parable - like the real tension
felt by many today - is over who truly holds the legitimate
interpretation of the faith. The argument is the struggle to find the
truth. The argument itself is a sign of life.
Scene 3: The Crucifixion
The congregation is
found grousing among themselves and comparing notes on the progressively outrageous
things Fitzgerald has said. Since Daniel has been taking notes on the sermons
that have riled him most, he decides to take his complaints to an elder. After
a passionate appeal, he is told that problems must be taken to Fitzgerald.
Rather than take his problem to the source of the problem, Daniel decides to
stop taking notes and become a shell, one who attends church in physical
presence only.
Scene 4: Resurrection
The day has come when
Fitzgerald announces his retirement and Daniel decides it is time for a
confrontation. Here, the voice of tradition and the voice of new ideas clash.
The argument rages back and forth: Did the pastor do Daniel a service or a
disservice by challenging him with new ideas? Did Daniel do the pastor a
disservice or a service by harboring anger and resentment and clinging to his
entrenched position? The opera resolves
as the congregation lifts a hymnodic prayer:
May
we be lifted in spirit to a higher plane, from which we can see as God sees and
one day know the answers to questions which at present lie beyond our
understanding.
