When Günter Schlechter, a friend who conducts a choir in Schleswig, asked me for a hymn for St Martin’s Day 2018, I was moved, not least because I had been wondering how Germans would keep the centenary of the end Read More …
** In 2012 these words, by Siân Rhiannon, were set for the class in the National Eisteddfod in which a new hymn was to be composed. The lyric, roughly translated alongside the Welsh original, is a sunny affirmation of God’s love continually poured forth Read More …
* This hymn has grown from thinking about Rebekah’s difficult pregnancy and the birth of the twins Esau and Israel. The matriarchal womb.midi COMMENTARY The beginnings of this hymn lay in the suicidal feelings of Rebekah, the wife of Isaac, Read More …
*** Behind this hymn is the story of the Lord appearing to Solomon in a dream, commanding him to ask for whatever he wished. COMMENTARY Without mentioning him by name, this hymn offers an interpretation of Solomon’s prayer for an understanding mind Read More …
*** This hymn, an unfolding of Romans 8.22-30, was written to be sung as a four-part round, with the singers surrounding the congregation so as to help them join in.. It can be accompanied by up to four descanting instruments (eg violin, Read More …
*** This hymn echoes a Scriptural diatribe against public idolatry. COMMENTARY This hymn responds to challenging assertions set forth in Isaiah 45.1-7. Cyrus, king of Persia is named as the Lord’s anointed, that is, Christ. The Lord declares himself the Read More …
* A hymn inspired by the Holy ‘Social’ Trinity. As we share this life between us.midi COMMENTARY The prayer widely known as ‘The Grace’ offers a picture of the Blessed Trinity that contrasts in character with Reginald Heber‘s[1] in his Read More …
*** Written to celebrate the birthday of St Mary, the mother of Jesus the Lord. A choir-piece. Gentle, reflective, but the music and lyrics are quietly forthright. No one remembers (midi)