J
Jeff4life
Guest
I was surprised to find one day bible quotes in a book made for learning guitar that I got. The book was by Christopher Parkening, possibly the greatest classical guitarist who ever lived. Here is an excerpt about his fascinating conversion from his wikipedia page,
Parkening is recognized as heir to the legacy of Segovia, who said, "Christopher Parkening is a great artist-he is one of the most brilliant guitarists in the world."
Parkening went into retirement at a young age and stopped public performances to live a quiet life, and pursue his lifelong dream of relaxation by flyfishing. Parkening rarely even played the guitar, and would not have come out of retirement if it was not for his religious conversion to Christianity. He believed that he could glorify God with his music, taking a page from the great composer J.S. Bach who said, "the ultimate aim and end of all music is none else but the glory of God." Shocking his fans, Parkening, in order to make clear that he was convinced that his faith was true and his life was changed, refused to play anything but Christian music. Instead of coming out with a classical album, he released Simple Gifts, featuring new arrangements for the classical guitar of many traditional Christian hymns. Parkening's faith has continued strong, and the story of it plays a prominent place in his autobiography published in 2006, Grace Like a River.
Also, I wish I could post a link to him playing Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, (don't yet have 50 posts) because it's ridiculously hard the version he plays as well as beautiful, but its on youtube if you want to see it.
Parkening is recognized as heir to the legacy of Segovia, who said, "Christopher Parkening is a great artist-he is one of the most brilliant guitarists in the world."
Parkening went into retirement at a young age and stopped public performances to live a quiet life, and pursue his lifelong dream of relaxation by flyfishing. Parkening rarely even played the guitar, and would not have come out of retirement if it was not for his religious conversion to Christianity. He believed that he could glorify God with his music, taking a page from the great composer J.S. Bach who said, "the ultimate aim and end of all music is none else but the glory of God." Shocking his fans, Parkening, in order to make clear that he was convinced that his faith was true and his life was changed, refused to play anything but Christian music. Instead of coming out with a classical album, he released Simple Gifts, featuring new arrangements for the classical guitar of many traditional Christian hymns. Parkening's faith has continued strong, and the story of it plays a prominent place in his autobiography published in 2006, Grace Like a River.
Also, I wish I could post a link to him playing Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, (don't yet have 50 posts) because it's ridiculously hard the version he plays as well as beautiful, but its on youtube if you want to see it.
you're welcome!
