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The Gift of Music


I was recently at a bookstore that had Christian music. I tend to stick with certain artists I like such as Kutless, RED, and Casting Crowns. In today's struggling economic climate it is difficult to branch out and seek new music (legally). I departed from my favorite bands and decided to give Fernando Ortega a chance. What drew me to his music was the cover. As you can see it has a crusaderesque cross, a stone sculpture of Jesus or a saint and Moroccan star designs. Compelled by these artistry, I took the album and listened to it at a sampling station in the store. I immediately was pleased with the Irish bagpipes, flute, and classical piano. More importantly, I liked Ortega's voice.

The particular album I decided to purchase was Ortega's Hymns of Worship. Orteg has collected famous hymns from the Middle Ages, Reformation, and beyond for this album. Ortega's style reminds me of the late Rich Mullins, but it has a more classical and soothing sound. Ortega's "All creatures Of Our God and King (alleluia)" catches you up and transports you to Ireland and leaves you in a worshipful and triumphant state of Christ's presence. Following alleluia is "Jesus, King of Angels" which has a tempo that is tranquil and soothing to the soul. I would recommend every believer listen to "Jesus, King of Angels" before they rest their weary head to bed, because the song itself addresses the dark powers, anxieties, and other things that try to rob us of rest.

The rest of the album is strong, but in particular the last track "Give Me Jesus" should be the mantra of every Christian. "Give me Jesus" affirms that every morning we should ask for Jesus' presence and choose him over this world. It ends with the powerful words "When I go to die, when I go to die, give me Jesus." The entire album if full of great hymns, but these three in particular are my favorites. Having experienced Ortega's gifted ability to create a environment with his music for worship and to be still in the Savior's presence, I wish to address one of greatest sins in the music industry.

Many people believe it is fair to listen to an artist's entire album on YouTube or to download it for free on sketchy music sites. Such people make the common protest that they cannot afford to buy the album or that they only like a few songs. This shameful display of thievery not only taints the person who steals digitally, but the artists. If everyone decided not to buy the album or any of the songs and simply went to YouTube, an artist like Ortega would lose revenue. You might be thinking so what? He can do concerts. True, but if his work is stolen to the extent that he cannot make a living he will cease creating music or at least cease making it available to the public. Those who download music for free are robbing themselves of character, robbing the artist of their due pay, and robbing the world of talent. Ortega can only continue to make beautiful music if people pay for it! Think about it in the reverse, if you work say two years to produce an album with your band, how would you feel if someone uploaded it to the internet and you didn't get paid?; and instead of people buying your album, everyone just goes and downloads it for free. All those hours of writing, playing your instrument or augementing your voice will have been stolen buy those who have no respect for your gift and hard work.

There is a reason Jesus said, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." (). Don't rob if you yourself do not want to be robbed. Respect the talent and hard work of other people. If you want an album then save up for it or put it on a Christmas Wish List. If you only want one song or a few songs, go to iTunes or another reputable MP3 site to buy the songs individually. Give the artist his dues. Support him or her because they are Christian brothers and sisters and deserve to reap the benefits of their hard work.

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