And
be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
Ephesians
5:18-19
There is a time for sorrow, a time for joy, a time for laughter and a time for weeping.
But in our natural world, we have only four seasons of beauty and purpose with
which we have been gifted of God. Each of these four seasons has a special
purpose in the vision of Creation.
When the beauty of these four special seasons is combined
with great music, the ecstasy is overpowering.
That is what a gentlemen named Antonio Vivaldi did in
composing his special Baroque music called, “Four Seasons.” This work has
forever been a favorite among those who love and appreciate nature, beauty, art
and music. When we listen to the gliding contrasts of the notes, we are taken
on a higher plane of reality.
But what of the great composer behind “Four Seasons” and
other great works - Antonio Vivaldi? He was a man of great compassion who wrote
music suitable for worship. He also ran an orphanage primarily for young girls.
He trained them diligently to sing and to become accomplished musicians. He wrote
prolifically to raise money to support his orphanage. The proceeds from his
compositions went completely to support his orphan girls and to provide their
training and livelihood. Vivaldi, being a minister of the church, felt the
admonition of God to provide for orphans - and he did!
Where would our musical world be today without his most
famous work, Four Seasons? But more importantly, what would have become of
hundreds of orphaned girls without this kind and benevolent composer to provide
for their living by exercising the gift with which God had so abundantly
endowed him?
Are you using your God-given gifts for the benefit of those
who are in the greatest want in society? Perhaps we should all follow the
example of Antonio Vivaldi.
©Jerry Ogles, 2001
and 2016
