February 2, 2025

The prelude is a set of 4 short variations (or "reflections" as the composer calls them), based on another hymn not in our hymnal-- "O Radiant Light, O Sun Divine".  They are a very quiet and generally meditative set of "reflections" on the hymn, by the American contemporary, David Lasky, a most active composer of sacred choral and organ music, who resides in Vermont but plays for a Catholic church in Leominster, Mass.

Think of the text of our processional hymn, "God of the prophets, bless the prophets' heirs!" (359), and see if you can relate it to our reading from Jeremiah.  The hymn is most familiar, with a melody that dates back to the 16th century, as you may note.

If you do read the hymnal notes, you will notice that the 20th century Charles Winfred Douglas had his hands on both the processional hymn and our Gospel hymn, "Spread, O spread, Thou mighty Word", 530.

The anthem is an arrangement of hymn 699, "Jesus, Lover of my soul", by another active contemporary American composer, Charles Yannerella.  You might note that this most familiar hymn tune by Joseph Parry (1841-1903) is used for 3 different texts in our hymnal.  

Communion hymns should be familiar as well-- 581, the beautiful "Where charity and love prevail there is God ever found", and 440, "Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word we are gathered' all to hear Thee".

Closing, we will sing "God the Omnipotent!", 569, the great 19th century hymn, tune known as "Russia".  

The postlude is a setting of "Songs of thankfulness and praise", 135, by another contemporary American, Robert Hobby, whose music I often play.