Could you expound on that?
Let me begin with a very short remark as to the lyrics used.
Lyrics:
When a truth is a few word phrase repeated over and over and over and over ..., then it becomes vain repetition unless more truth is added.
For instance, those who support repetition as shown in the video, might point to Psalms 137 which repeats "For His loving kindness is everlasting."
However, the emphasis is upon each phrase presenting a different aspect and situation in which His loving kindness was expressed. The repetition is not vain, but call and response. Each call presents a new truth, and the response is meant as an amen to that truth.
This was in no way used in the video presentation, and it became vain (self glorifying) repetition, to enhance "feelings" over truth.
Musically:
With the rhythmic motif repeated and merely enhanced by volume and more instruments, but never truly changed, then the body (which is tuned to rhythmic impulse - why one marches, waltzes, taps toes...) becomes "enamored;" the "feelings" become more dominant than the intellect.
The music elements are combined and used by those who use "music therapy." Scriptures demonstrate the power of music when redirecting rage to calm - remember Saul and David. A balance between rhythm, harmony and melody are the key.
When the melody and harmony are secondary, and rhythm of percussion is not just present but dominant, then the body and that of the fleshly assumes dominance. (Remember the rhythm directly effects the body impulse desire - tapping, marching, head bobbing, undulating, gyrating...)
That repetition with little or no change is used, then the rhythm is purposely pushing the intellect out of perspective.
Beethoven's fifth is an excellent example of how strong melodic, harmonic, and percussive rhythm is used but also held in check. It starts strong, quietens, varying the volume and tempo as change is used. Though highly repetitive, it constantly passes the melodic and rhythmic theme among the instrumental groups building, pausing, until the listener is captivated not only emotionally but intellectually. The basic four note rhythm and melody are used as a guide charting the trail throughout the piece as the motif turns from this section to that - sometimes as a call and response, sometimes in variations, sometimes elongated, sometimes hinted but incomplete, sometimes fanciful, sometimes, slow, ... but never is the listener intellectually disengaged.
Repetition is not evil in itself, it is when it becomes vain (ego centric, uselessly self admirable) that it robs God of His glory.
One more item. In the video, who was the attention focused upon, the performers or God?
Were they putting on a show of self glorification, or of selfless admiration of the greatness of God?
