Hymns Tunes With No Words
A quick internet search will uncover numerous articles on hymn writing—its history, its place in worship/ritual, its importance to community gatherings and prayer. Everyone seems to have an opinion about the elements that constitute a “good” hymn. No one has a definitive answer.
This morning I awoke with the idea that hymn tunes are, at their core, simply satisfying, symmetrical short works of music that are easily sung and remembered and that follow traditional rules…while following none at all. Hymns are usually accompanied by poetry that expresses the beliefs of the community or an individual, usually metrical in nature…or not; usually rhyming…or not.
Traditionally, the “form” of a hymn is simple…and it is not... adhering to patterns of four, eight, twelve, and sixteen measures…except when they don’t.
The excellence and sustainability of a hymn depends on a great many factors while suggesting the least complicated means of achieving these ends.
The short “hymns” presented in the following works are my musical way of capturing the “flavor” of the traditional hymn style. Enterprising organists may find them pleasant to play (and certainly easy) and, perhaps, find new improvisations upon this source material, and clever poets may discover here the musical expression through which to deliver their words. One might say (challenge?), “Game on!”
Enjoy the discovery of an old form in a new way. You may be inspired…unless you’re not.
— begun 12 March 2018
