It is rare, indeed, to find nothing about a musical composition or its composer when searching the internet. While the World Wide Web can give us the most mundane descriptions and facts about almost anything, our Anthem for this week and its composer have totally eluded all.
Let’s begin with the text—we can identify that: Matthew 11:28-30. Research tells us that Matthew was also known as Levi, and his writings were primarily for a Jewish audience. It is said that his gospel was written to establish the identity of Jesus as the true Messiah. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy burdened.” These words suggest that Jesus, as the Messiah, can offer peace and salvation to those who follow Him. “Take my yoke” is a Jewish term referring to discipline and discipleship. All of this creates the image that Christ alone is the Teacher who can bring “rest to the soul,” as in life with the Father in heaven. A powerful thought for those early times.
Next, we look for stories of Howard B. Barnaby, but they just don’t exist. He was alive in the 21st century because he wrote the Anthem in 2005. And that is ALL that we know of him!
Finally, and most importantly, the music. Written for 4-part harmony, Barnaby creates many pairing situations that are varied and interesting. Sometimes Sopranos and Tenors, followed by Altos and Basses. Sometimes all upper voices vs. all lower voices... but these pairings are typically punctuated by measures of traditional harmony. Barnaby chooses to end with thoughts on “My burden is light.” The way to salvation can be found easily when one follows the way of Jesus.
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