Good selection of music

Springs of Joy Kathy Hintz Arranged by George Loewen and Kathy Hintz, Abbotsford, B.C., 2001.

Kathy Hintz (nee Muller) a well-known soprano soloist, from Abbotsford, who grew up in a musical family in the Fraser Valley has teamed herself with three instrumental musicians for this enjoyable and inspiring CD, “Springs of Joy”. She is joined by husband, Jake Hintz, who accompanies her on violin, Alexander Maier, an oboe player who currently is the principal oboist of the Fraser Valley Symphony, and Marcus Unger an accomplished international pianist.

This ensemble entitled Springs of Joy (inspired by Isaiah 58:11) has been serving the Lord in music since 1993 at Mennonite Central Committee functions, churches, benefit concerns and many other occasions.

Kathy and family lived in Ontario for a number of years and served as missionary teachers with MB Mission Services in Okinawa, Japan for three years. She has also had opportunities to sing and serve in the Philippines and in Brazil.

It is evident that Kathy has been formally trained in classical music and is an accomplished musician. Her voice is clear and beautiful, with great diction and is very pleasant to listen to. This CD has 20 selections, boasting a great variety of music. Kathy sings several songs in German; some hymns and some folksongs. Also included in the repertoire is a Russian folksong, several English hymn arrangements, a song by Schubert, and some of the classic soprano sacred solos including “His Eye is on the Sparrow”, “O Glorious Love” and “The Holy City”. I really enjoyed the arrangement of “Fairest Lord Jesus” that was set to the Bach/Gonoud version of “Ave Maria”. I found this most interesting and inspiring.

I also enjoyed the creative arrangements since they featured the instrumentalists as equal partners. There is beautiful pairing and balancing of harmonies and counter melodies especially with the violin and oboe. Since the oboe is my favorite orchestral instrument, I enjoyed the poignant melodies very much. In some places, however, and this may have been due to the quality of recording, I felt Kathy’s voice needed to be heard more above the instruments. A few times I had to strain to hear the voice. Also, perhaps due to the recording process, the tone and quality of the piano did not satisfy my tastes. The musicianship and ability of the pianist was superb, however I felt the tone of the piano itself sounded “tinny” and did not do justice to the beautiful playing.

I feel that this CD will appeal especially to those that enjoy good quality art music, but there is a wide variety of styles, even including a selection by Michael and Debbie Smith. It is evident that these musicians desire to share with the audience their love of music and most importantly their love for Jesus. Kathy sings from the heart and glorifies the Lord with her voice. I was encouraged in my faith.

Some of the profits from the CD and cassette tape sales of “Springs of Joy” go directly to MCC’s work of helping meet the needs of suffering people around the world. For bookings and orders call 604-853-3746 or contact by e-mail. This recording can also be purchased at House of James in Abbotsford, B.C. and Fellowship Bookstore in Winnipeg.

Carol Riediger, a registered piano teacher lives in Chilliwack, BC. She works as receptionist at the Health Unit and is involved in worship and music at the Chilliwack Central MB Church. Formerly she has been involved in music and evangelism at Saskatoon Youth for Christ and Bethany Bible Institute.