I’ve always had a fondness for the New Songs arranged as instrumental pieces. During choir performances, my ears are naturally drawn to the orchestra’s accompaniment, and the more I listen, the more I marvel at the beauty of the harmonies woven through the blend of various instruments.
One day, amid the familiar sounds of strings and winds, an unfamiliar tone caught my ear—a low, resonant voice that seemed to support not only the instruments, but the choir’s singing as well. I focused on the source of this grounding sound and discovered it was the double bass. The largest of the orchestral string instruments, the double bass produces the lowest tones. Its voice lies deep beneath the surface, and its volume is often modest in ensemble, which perhaps explains why I hadn’t fully appreciated its presence before. Since then, listening with an ear tuned to the double bass has brought a newfound grandeur and depth to the New Songs.
It reminded me of the members in Zion who work tirelessly and selflessly behind the scenes to complete the gospel work. Like the double bass—never leading the melody, yet laying down a rich foundation that embraces every other sound—these humble, devoted brothers and sisters sustain the harmony of our faith with quiet love and unity. It is thanks to them that the beautiful music of the gospel continues to resonate each day.