June 4, 2023

Most people are probably familiar with the hymn tune on which the prelude is based — "This Is My Father's World", though it is not in our hymnal (sadly).  The setting is by the prolific and talented American composer, Dale Wood (1934-2003), of whom I have written before.

Since it is Trinity Sunday we simply "have" to sing "Holy, Holy, Holy", hymn 362, the incredibly popular 19th century tune and text.

At the Gospel reading, we will sing the first 4 verses (comprising a paraphrase of the "Te Deum") of hymn 366, "Holy God, we praise thy Name"; note that the melody is 17th century.

The most appropriate anthem for this Trinity Sunday is a setting of "Ye watchers and ye Holy ones",  which is also the tune for "All creatures of our God and King" (some might know this text better).  Both are in our hymnal.  The setting is by George Oldroyd (1887-1956), an English organist, composer, and apparently fine teacher.  

The first communion hymn is new to us, hymn 367, "Round the Lord in glory seated cherubim and seraphim filled His temple".  It is a fine hymn by Charles Hubert Parry, as you may note.  It is worth learning!  The second hymn is 31, "Most Holy God, the Lord of heaven",  which tune is also used for hymn 455, "O love of God, how strong and true" (the better known text).

Another "chestnut"-- the closing hymn is 423, "Immortal, invisible, God only wise", the most popular Welsh tune.

The postlude is an Alec Wyton setting of the "Te Deum".  Mr. Wyton, English born and educated, was the organist at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York for several decades.  He is known to have brought more of a "contemporary" influence to Anglican church music.  

SUNDAY BENEFIT CONCERT BY THE BILTMORE BRASS WITH XYLOPHONE GUEST SOLOIST AT 4PM!!  This should be a fun program, and benefits a fund for a new digital keyboard!!  You will be glad you attended!