Music for October 14, 2012
The devoted reader of this page (notice I used the singular on that subject) might remember a post in July about some music written by my friend Richard DeLong . We are singing another piece by him this Sunday, a beautifully simple hymn arrangement of the text Just as I am. If you are from an Evangelical tradition, you might have fond memories (or nightmares!) of this hymn, often sung ad nauseum in Baptist churches at the invitation with "every head bowed and every eye closed." This oft-maligned hymn has been given a new tune by DeLong, and therefore new life, which is a good thing, as the text is rich in words of grace. This anthem is a setting of the new tune DeLong wrote, in a straight-forward style used by countless other: Stanza 1 is sung by the trebles, stanza 2 by the men, stanza 3 by the choir singing in four parts, without organ, then the final stanza is unison with a soprano descant. The choir will sing this simple hymn-anthem at the beginning of communion, which is a perfect time to sing and hear these words:
1. Just as I am, without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me, and that thou bidst me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 2. Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt, fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 3. Just as I am, thy love unknown hath broken every barrier down; now, to be thine, yea thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 4. Just as I am, of thy great love The breadth, depth, and height to prove, Here for a season, then above, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
The St. Gregory choir (the choir of 3rd through 7th graders) makes their first appearance this fall as they sing Robert Leaf's anthem To the Glory of Our King. Robert Leaf was an Minnesotan with a passion for music for children and the church.
Anthems
To the Glory of Our King – Robert Leaf (1936-2005)
Just As I Am – Richard DeLong (1951-1994)
Voluntaries
Praeludium and Fugue in E Major – Vincent Lübeck (1654-1740)
Take My Life and Let It Be – arr. David Nevue (b. 1965)
Hymns
All things bright and beautiful (ROYAL OAK)
“Thy kingdom come!” on bended knee (ST. FLAVIAN)
Take my life, and let it be consecrated (HOLLINGSIDE)
Give thanks with a grateful heart (GIVE THANKS)
O God, our help in ages past (ST. ANNE)
Psalm 90:12-17 - simplified Anglican chant by Jerome W. Meachen