Liturgically Speaking for September

In each week’s bulletin, the word voluntary is listed at the start of the liturgy? What is a voluntary?

The term "voluntary" in the context of a church service has historical origins dating back to the development of liturgical music, particularly in the context of organ music. The history of the word "voluntary" is closely tied to the evolution of music in worship settings. Here's a brief overview of its history:

Medieval and Renaissance Periods
In the early centuries of Christianity, liturgical music was primarily vocal and centered around chants and hymns. However, by the Medieval and Renaissance periods, the use of musical instruments, particularly the organ, began to play a more prominent role in church worship.

Emergence of Organ Music
With the growing use of the organ in churches, composers and organists started to create instrumental pieces specifically for the organ. These pieces were often played before, during, or after certain parts of the church service. The word "voluntary" began to be used to describe these instrumental compositions.

The Term "Voluntary"
The word "voluntary" comes from the Latin word "voluntarius," meaning "of one's own will" or "voluntary." In the context of church music, a voluntary was a piece that the organist played at their own discretion, as opposed to prescribed parts of the liturgy. This term indicated that the piece was optional and not an integral part of the formal liturgical structure.

Baroque Period
The Baroque era (17th and early 18th centuries) saw significant advancements in organ music and composition. Organ voluntaries became more elaborate and sophisticated, often showcasing the technical skills of the organist. Composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and Dieterich Buxtehude contributed to the development of the organ voluntary as a recognized genre.

Continued Use
As church music evolved through different musical periods, the use of the voluntary remained a part of organ repertoire. The term continued to refer to optional instrumental pieces played during transitions or reflective moments in the church service.

Modern Usage
In modern times, the term "voluntary" is still used to describe organ or instrumental pieces played in church services. While the repertoire has expanded to include various musical styles, the term retains its historical connotation of being optional and enhancing the worship experience rather than being a required part of the liturgy.

Why does a date come after the composer’s name?
Listing dates after composer's names in church bulletins or programs serves to provide important historical context and information about the composers whose works are being performed during a worship service or a musical event

Overall, the history of the word "voluntary" reflects the evolving role of music in worship and the recognition of instrumental compositions as a valuable and expressive element of the church service.

Pax, Dr. Jason