Mixed choir
SKU:
ST.B934
Composed by
Brian Wren. Hymns &
Relgious Drama. Hymns
& Psalms 2009-2012. .
If ordering from USA,
Canada, Australia or New
Zealand please contact.
Collection. Stainer &
Bell Ltd. #B934.
Published by Stainer &
Bell Ltd. (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
