The music of forever

"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent," is a quote by Victor Hugo, and could quite possibly define the music of composer Joseph Martin.

Martin returns to Spring Hill United Methodist Church on Sunday, Jan. 29, 3 p.m. for a music extravaganza concert with the chancel choir and featuring The Liberty Singers.

Martin will perform several piano solos, and will guest conduct the 90 voice chancel choir in several of his anthems. The concert will feature sacred inspiration numbers as well as beloved love songs, show tunes and folksongs, interspersed with Martin's piano solos. Martin is known for his intricate music, leaving not one key of the 88 on the keyboard untouched, and sometimes fanning the imaginary smoke from the top of the baby grand after a particularly powerful ending. Martin's lovely wife, Sue, a former Disney performer, will be a featured vocalist. The Liberty Voices are a professional a cappella group, known as "America's premier a cappella stylists" and have been featured on hundreds of recordings. Many of the members have careers that include Broadway, television and Disney. They will be singing traditional American folk music as well as several Disney classic tunes.

Martin's anthems are sung all over the world. As Director of Sacred Publications for Shawnee Press, he oversees the editorial and creative direction of the company and also coordinates the recording and production aspects of future publishing efforts. Chancel Choir Director Jack Evans has known Martin for several years and always looks forward to inviting him back each year to guest conduct the choir. "I make a selection of Joe's music and Joe and I review what we plan to do many months before the concert," said Evans, who says the choir has been working on the music since late last spring. Martin is conducting a choral workshop with the choir and Evans says "That is so meaningful for our choir, as they can hear - straight from the composer, and can then interpret what they are singing so much better."

Martin has performed solo piano recitals and has been the featured artist with symphony orchestras. His first solo piano recording, "American Tapestry" was nominated for a Dove Award. Composing both sacred and secular music, Martin now has over twelve hundred compositions currently in print and the list continues to grow. His patriotic compositions have been sung at The White House and featured at The Pentagon 9/11 dedication. Last summer, he was privileged to direct his music at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and has appeared in the Lawrence Welk Theatre in Branson, MO.

Martin's music can be complex, with intricate rhythms and multiple key and timing changes. Church pianist Ashley McCall says that playing Martin's compositions is very technically challenging. "I personally enjoy the challenge, but sometimes it is a little intimidating playing for the man who wrote the music. He is such a brilliant composer." McCall says that she loves Martin's music. "His music is so expressive, and he writes with such emotion, not only for the accompaniment, but his words have such depth and are so meaningful."

Joseph Martin's music is a balm for the soul, and his words refreshing and inspiring. Linda Jaglois, a choir alto, and artist, sums it up. "From a choir member's point of view he directs from the heart dealing with the soothing, calming aspect of diction and the intensity of the crescendo. His piano selections caress the keys in a way unequalled..."slipping a light fandango " over the ivories in a caressing manner or a forceful, pounding of keys to make a statement. He's the real number!

Tickets may be purchased at the door for $8. First United Methodist Church of Spring Hill is located at 9344 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill, FL 34608. For information, call the church office at 683-2600 or visit the website at www.fumcsh.org.