There Was A Great Calm (aka Calm)

After teaching the multitude by the seaside, Jesus said, "Let us pass over unto the other side". Sending the multitude home, He and His disciples then entered a ship, and with other ships, launched forth. 

In the New Testament Books, Matthew, Mark, and Luke recall this particular miracle of Jesus; The calming of the storm at sea (Matthew 8:23), (Mark 4:35), (Luke 8:22). 

It was only a short journey across the lake. Good weather prevailed. Hardy seasoned fishermen and disciples manned the vessels. What could go wrong? In the stern, Jesus was sleeping.

As in life, with no forewarning or agitation, a furious squall came up! The wind went from a gently breeze to a howling wail. It began to blow strong enough, to whip the water into frothy waves, that filled the boats with water. Enough to capsize. Enough to sink the boats. Enough to sweep the men overboard. Lord, where are you?

I'm overwhelmed! Experienced fishermen tried to get the boats under control, but to no avail. Faith quickly turned to fear. 

But wait! They forgot, Jesus was onboard. With Jesus onboard, this song cannot be only about the storm, or the fear of it. It is about calm. It is about victory, it is about Peace. The omnipotent command had been given from the Master Himself. He spoke three words, just three...There was a great calm.

Using my imagination, I see the Master standing at the boatside, observing the riotous play of the wind, as it whips the waves high into the sky. The screaming of the men added to the panic as they fall and slide on the deck, distruction and disaster palpable. 

While composing Calm, I musically wondered if the actual sound of calm could be translated into the music. I felt Calm should feel mysterious, mystical and even unique. Remember the movie Jaws? Everyone, even on dry land, looked nervously over their shoulder when those few notes signified the shark was coming.

I was playing in the Key of B flat M. I found Calm in the Bass Cleft (g,a,b). This is my interpretation. As you listen, can you identify the calm. Enjoy.