(Dr. Shasberger's introduction to performance of the collection)
Hello, and welcome to our 2nd Friday at 7:00 streaming concert from Westmont College this fall. I am Dr. Michael Shasberger, baritone and chair of the Music Department at Westmont College, and I am joined in this performance by faculty colleagues Dr. Nichole Dechaine, soprano, and pianist Neil DiMaggio. This program is presented in a live recording from Westmont’s Deane Chapel.
In this program we are performing a collection of songs by composer and lyricist Gary Barnett, who lives in the DC metro area. The topic of the collection is the Fall of mankind and God's plan of restoration. In this collection the composer focuses on parts of the story that he believes need to be underscored in the American church and given today’s cultural influences. We hope you not only enjoy our performance and the music but that you will also find the music drawing you to meditate on the Word.
I share these thoughts ahead of our program today from Westmont’s formal garden as befits the title of the first piece we will perform tonight “Garden Lost”. Garden Lost is about the Fall of Mankind, where the first people God created made a choice that separated them from God, a choice that shut them off from the spiritual reality, leaving them able to see only the physical or material world; a world and system which became their preoccupation and to which they were bound.
The song brings out the contrast between God’s intentions for humanity and what we have made of it. They point out our sense of loss and confusion, noting that we are always “sending signals SOS” (which of course means “save our souls”) as we search for meaning and truth.
By the last movement in this song there is a vision of the hope that with reconnection to God we can be good, while remembering that separated from Him we can be the worst of all His creatures.
The second piece we are performing for you is a three-movement piece entitled “Restoration” that picks up where “Garden Lost” leaves off. The first movement begins with an exploration of certain of God's attributes. In this movement, the composer seeks to appreciate God’s revealed attributes holistically. The second movement of Restoration explores certain elements of sanctification. The song starts out from a young believer’s perspective and compels us to consider what the freedom of creation really means and what it requires of us. The third movement delves into the challenges and opportunities for the faithful in being the light of the world through an exploration of the Parable of the Vine and the branches.
Our program concludes with two short songs, "Walk Upon the Water” and “A Prayer.” These affirm the messages of “Restoration” and call us to trust and obedience.
About the Composer
Gary Barnett lives in the DC metropolitan area with his wife and two daughters. Gary was born into a Jewish family and exhibited exceptional musical ability from an early age. He became a Christian in his mid-twenties. Early in his Christian life, Gary placed a very strong focus on sanctification which later in life he began to see as a critical part of the path to the life in Christ by the Spirit. As you will hear, his family background and his areas of emphasis in his faith influence the sounds and themes of his music.
In addition to his music, Gary spent many years in New York City as a partner and practice group leader in top Wall Street and International law firms, left private practice in 2011 for government service as a senior officer at two federal agencies, and after leaving government established a US broker dealer and co-founded a financial and regulatory consulting firm.
In writing faith-based music, Gary is very focused on seeking to create music that will be helpful to listening believers. Along that line, Gary has written explanatory notes for these songs (which can be accessed via the links below) to provide additional explanation and discussion of related topics. He can be reached via email at gbarnett777@gmail.com.
Links for overview, lyrics and composer notes for the songs: