SKU: ST.B838
ISBN 9780852498385.
This second collection of Alan Gaunt's works contains 56 hymn texts written between 1991 and 1996, and includes 34 translations from the Welsh of hymnwriter Ann Griffiths. The title, taken from a sonnet by Vernon Watkins, reflects what Fred Kaan, in the introduction to this book, describes as the author's fascination with eternal glory, coupled with the earth-boundness of his daily life, that enables him to choose words and use expressions that catch the inexpressible.
SKU: BT.GOB-000264-120
Hymnus was commissioned by the Wilhelmina Easterein Fanfare Orchestra in the Autumn of 1999 for their performance at the World Music Contest, Kerkrade. The commission was the result of a collaboration between the composer and the thenmusical director, Marten van der Wal. The exact meaning of the word Hymnus is not known but it is taken in this presentation to mean hymn or hymn-like. The melodic material is organic and grows from an initial unison tone. Thisinterval is gradually expanded to form the cell F E C F, a semitone, third, fifth. The only other melodic motif is the ascending three-note pattern spanning a major third. This is the second of his compositions to use this ascending motif, theother being Fanfare for a Bright New Age for Brass Band and Organ, also of 2000. These characteristic intervals appear in many contrasting moods and guises throughout the piece. The opening unison notes are intended to convey as sense ofpower and magnificence, like the first sounds at the dawning of the universe. After the immense power, a period of stunned silence and reverence. The evolution of the hymn melody incorporates a variety of moods and atmospheres, sometimes expressing much joy and celebration whilst also suggesting periods of intense savagery or prayerful contemplation. The hymn builds as the piece progresses and is finally stated in its complete form at letter W. The official worldpremiere of the work was given by Wilhelmina Easterein at the World Music Contest 2001. Whilst the composer was unable to attend in person, he was able to enjoy the premier simultaneously transmitted via a mobile phone from the audience! Conductors Note The tempo indications are to be viewed as a guide rather than a literal instruction. Within the music there is an innate sense of pulse and metre, lending itself to considerable rubato. Melody is king, and all else is mere support and decoration, careful attention must therefore be given to balance.
SKU: BT.GOB-000264-020
SKU: ST.B854
ISBN 9780852498545.
Though little known in her lifetime (1776-1805), Ann Griffiths is now widely regarded as being among the leading hymnwriters in Wales. She is a major figure whose word speaks strongly to a contemporary audience at a time of growing sensitivity to Christian spirituality in its many and varied forms, and to the often unacknowledged role of women in the life and history of the church. As a crystallising of the gifts of many people, this treasure of a book would be hard to rival. (Christoper Idle, News of Hymnody).
SKU: ST.B880
ISBN 9780852498804.
The third collection of hymns by Alan Gaunt, Delight That Never Dies, brings together 97 new texts written between November 1996 and February 2003. In addition, there are 22 translations from the Danish of N F S Grundtvig (1783-1872), and nine other translations, including six from the Welsh of William Williams (Pantycelyn).
SKU: ST.B923
ISBN 9780852499238.
The fourth collection of hymns by Alan Gaunt, Beyond All Words, brings together 89 texts on a variety of themes that are both contemporary and yet grounded in the perennial questions of theology. In his Foreword, Emeritus Professor David M. Thompson writes 'One could see this collection as a diary of the first decade of the third millennium, during which so many of the bright hopes with which the new era began were ruthlessly smashed with the most up-to-date military technology available. So again and again the human existential question Why? is translated into the ultimate question in Christian theology of the Why? of the cross.'.
SKU: ST.B801
ISBN 9780852498019.
The Reverend Alan Gaunt, a minister of the United Reformed Church, is particularly known for his hymn texts We pray for peace and Lord Christ, we praise your sacrifice. This volume brings together his corpus of writing. He is strongly biblical in his approach and is prepared to look at Bible, faith and the contemporary world squarely, bringing them together in texts for use in worship. His work also includes some new translations from early texts intended for use by a new generation. Such new exposure to the original through a new translation can be salutary. The introduction is written by the Reverend Alan Luff.
SKU: ST.B934
ISBN 9780852499344.
This, the ninth of a series of books begun in 1983, contains Brian Wren's 36 most recent hymns (2009 to 2012). It is nicely presented and laid out in a user-friendly way. The hymns are divided into five thematic sections: Jesus from Cradle to Cross; Easter Hymns; Church and Mission; Praise; and Metrical Psalms. This last section, rooted in (though not bound by) the Old Testament, is often influenced by Isaac Watts and will be of more use to some than others; it concludes with a tremendous rendering of Psalm 8; a paean of praise which all will love, set to a stirring tune. Each section is prefaced with a single page introduction listing the contents and, in some instances, giving an interesting insight into Brian Wren's theology and thinking which provides food for contemplation. Each hymn is printed in words format with all the necessary information for inclusion in an order of worship. Every hymn is also printed with full score music for accompaniment interlined with the words. The book is slightly larger than A5, and there are various useful indexes. The tunes range from ancient to modern, some very familiar, including Candler (better known as Ye Banks and Braes). A number are of a metre where alternative tunes are available. Those tunes which are new vary in ease of use; some will be readily picked up, others would prove challenging for occasional use in a small congregation but could be used as music group items. These are hymns which need to be read as a whole and require thought. The words are chosen with care and notable as much for those not used as those included e.g.: 'Christ, untameably alive,/ breathe your life upon us - / Compass, Governor and Guide, / with us and beyond us,/ Sky and Sunlight, / spreading Vine./ Spring of Living Water,/ Truth and Wisdom, Way and Word,/ here, and then hereafter.' These hymns will be useful in worship as either sung or read pieces, and will also prove an invaluable resource for private devotion.
Robert Canham, Reform
SKU: BT.PMC1122
