Prelude and Postlude music in the LDS Church

In the main worship service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the
congregation listens to the quiet prelude music played by the organist/pianist before the
ceremony starts. The purpose of prelude music in the church is to create an atmosphere and
spirit of worship. It is an invitation to approach our Father in Heaven and to commune with Him
through the Holy Spirit. The prelude serves as a background for quiet meditation in which
communication with the Lord can take place.
Traditionally, the prelude music is played by the organist - the organ is the more
preferred instrument in worship services than piano although the latter is quite an acceptable
substitute. Sometime in the mid 90s the Philippine Area Presidency issued to the local leaders a
letter of instructions that put into writing some of the correct protocols in the church. One of the
items listed is about prelude music: prelude music is played on the piano, not sung by the choir.
The area presidency must have noticed the practice among Filipino choirs that sing before the
stake conference starts. Fortunately for Filipino choristers, this issue has been clarified in the
subsequent version of Church Music Handbook that explicitly states that choir may occasionally
sing the prelude. Considering the purpose of prelude, choir music is very much appropriate, in
my opinion.
As a pianist, I am sometimes asked to play the piano for the stake meetings or
conferences. I could not help but cringe every time I see the printed program where the prelude
music title, which is always a hymn from the hymnbook, is printed. It is as if the pianist is limited
to the hymns from the hymnbook. Hymns are appropriate music for prelude, of course. However
it has long been established that, Hymns are appropriate for prelude music, and may be used in
addition to other suitable prelude repertoire. (Priesthood Bulletin, First Quarter 1974. P. 7 italics
added). In the Church Handbook for Organists, it is implied that it is understood that prelude
music selection is selected by the organist/pianist rather than the musical director. The pianist is
usually more familiar with musical selections that are appropriate than the person who leads the
congregation in singing hymns.

What makes an ideal prelude music selection

Recently, a brother from another unit, visiting our ward approached me as I played
Defords Miracle on the piano right before the service starts. He asked if the music I was playing
is church-published. I politely told him that the music was written by a fellow LDS and popular
among musicians in the church. It was as if I was violating the Sabbath law by playing nonchurch-published music.
The general rule is music should equal, but not exceed, the highest musical
appreciation of the congregation. It should not be chosen so that pianist or organist can display
his advanced playing techniques for that would distract from worshipping. The music should be
solemn and dignified. Crescendos may be found at the middle of selection but the music usually
begins and ends softy.
The church has listed some of the suitable organ and piano music that the
instrumentalist may consider in choosing his repertoire. The list, of course, is not a canon of
accepted music, rather it is a guide on the type of music that is appropriate for the purpose.

I inserted below some suggested organ and piano music titles from the churchs
Handbook for Organists.

Purpose of the Postlude Music

The organist plays a postlude to facilitate a quiet orderly exit from the chapel while
the congregation leaves. Id say some of the practices that I have observed during postlude are
not in harmony with this purpose. First, the practice of remaining seated to wait for the pianist to
finish the postlude is not necessary. Some members (and leaders) have even taught that the
correct protocol at the end of the service is to wait for the presiding officer to stand before
standing to leave the chapel. This practice is neither endorsed by any handbook of instructions
nor a long-honored tradition.
While the members of the congregation are expected to be seated and focused on
the gospel during the prelude, they need not do the same at the postlude because the two have
different purpose. The message of the concluding speaker determines the ending mood of the
service. The other inappropriate practice is to have the choir sing the postlude. If the purpose is
to provide background music as the congregation leaves the chapel, should we expect the
congregation to leave the chapel while choir members are standing and singing?
The handbook of instructions does not have response for each specific concern, but
for all concerns or questions about the suitability of music where the answer is plainly taught, the
musicians duty is to know and follow it. For issues where written instructions are not found,
understanding of the purpose, together with good musical taste, should guide musicians in
choosing music.