Catholic composer shares the stories behind his songs

Published: 2003-12-17

LOMBARD, Ill. (CNS) -- Dan Schutte, one of the most well-known composers of contemporary liturgical music, began writing music for worship "because it stirs my soul, it speaks to my faith." The writer of dozens of popular church songs, Schutte is probably best known for "Here I Am, Lord," "You Are Near," "Though the Mountains May Fall" and "City of God," among others. During a recent concert at Christ the King Church in Lombard, Schutte shared much about the connection between his music and his faith as he introduced each song. Of all his songs, Schutte said, he loves "You Are Near" the best because of his love for Psalm 139, on which the song is based. "There are two images of God in that psalm that are very important to me: that God knows me through and through, and that God doesn't just wait for me to come close. God pursues me," said Schutte, who is based at the University of San Francisco, where he is composer in residence and the director of music for the school's Office of University Ministries.

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