Elation — Elegance — Exaltation

by Marianne C. Corbino
Scarsdale Meeting

The four-part musical suite “A Love Supreme,” written by John Coltrane in 1964, mirrors the expression of my faith. This technically and lyrically elegant “whispering prayer” has been a conduit for worship and a pillar in my daily life.

The composition was a spiritual declaration, depicting his quest leading to a peak of devotion. In words and music, he incanted a poem to God. There are countless layers of praise, gratitude, love, redemption and revelation. This piece set the stage for my becoming a Quaker.

Both Coltrane and I credit to God the process of musical creation. We have shown appreciation towards the Divine Spirit who granted us the gift of channeling love through music. He thanks God for vibrations and breath. As a wind player myself, his heartfelt praise hits a high note with me.  

His suite has a universal spiritual quality. If played with excellence, the piece brings happiness to listeners by lifting them and myself up to a higher level. With joy, I referenced this piece in meeting for worship when moved by its playing in my head. Ministry resonated and appreciation was voiced. Quite interestingly, Coltrane played his composition using twelve keys. The artist seemed to be saying that obtaining Grace is common to all religions, all people, everywhere as represented by all keys. 

The musical narrative has been analyzed repeatedly and has been found to contain spiritual overtones. My individual interpretation of the four sections depicts my spiritual experience. It follows. Part #1: Acknowledge what is right and true. Part #2: Resolution to want to do what is right. Part #3: Pursue what you acknowledge to be right. Part #4: Sing a Psalm in gratitude. Divine Love is the playbook.

It had the power to change the trajectory of my worldly life too. I first heard “A Love Supreme” when my brother practiced his sax all day and all night in the room next to mine. As a result, one day, I was overwhelmed with emotion when I encountered a busker in NYC blowing “A Love Supreme” through his horn. It was the catalyst to run away to New Orleans and get married. It has been the common hymn in my life as a human and musician.

In the ending he states his anthem, “It is with God. He is Gracious and Merciful. His Way is in Love, Through which we all are. It is Truly — A Love Supreme.”  

Read John Coltrane’s prayer, “A Love Supreme,” below.

A Love Supreme

John William Coltrane (1923-1967)

I will do all I can to be worthy of Thee, O Lord. It all has to do with it. Thank You God. 

God is all. Help us to resolve our fears and weaknesses. In you all things are possible. Thank you God.

We know. God made us so. Keep your eye on God. God is. He always was. He always will be.

No matter what... it is God. He is gracious and merciful. It is most important that I know Thee.

Words, sounds, speech, men, memory, throughts, fears and emotions—time—all related...all made from one... all made in one.

Blessed be his name. Thought waves—heat waves—all vibrations—all paths lead to God. Thank you God.

His way... it is so lovely... it is gracious. It is merciful—Thank you God. One thought can produce millions of vibrations and they all go back to God... everything does.

Thank you God. Have no fear... believe... Thank you God. The universe has many wonders. God is all.

His way... it is so wonderful. Thoughts—deeds—vibrations, all go back to God and He cleanses all.

He is gracious and merciful... Thank you God. Glory to God... God is so alive. God is. God loves.

May I be acceptable in Thy sight.

We are all one in His grace. The fact that we do exist is acknowledgement of Thee, O Lord. Thank you God.

God will wash away all our tears...He always has...He always will.

Seek him everyday. In all ways seek God everyday. Let us sing all songs to God. To whom all praise is due... praise God.

No road is an easy one, but they all go back to God.

With all we share God. It is all with God. It is all with Thee.

Obey the Lord. Blessed is He.

We are all from one thing... the will of God...Thank you God.

—I have seen ungodly—none can be greater—none can compare Thank you God.

He will remake... He always has and He always will. It’s true—blessed be His name—Thank you God.

God breathes through us so completely...so gently we hardly feel it... yet, it is our everything.

Thank you God.

ELATION—ELEGANCE—EXALTATION—All from God.

Thank you God. Amen.