Many of the Hymns of Praise Christians enjoy singing are from texts that have been around for hundreds of years. I particularly enjoy the writings of Isaac Watts, although some of his texts have not been paired with hymn tunes that match well.
Isaac Watts was a prolific writer of hymn texts living in England from 1674-1748. He was also a theologian and educator. He was one of the first poets to adapt Psalms and Biblical texts into Christian verse suitable for singing in worship services. Some of his more popular texts set to tunes by various composers are:
Another of his hymn texts of praise is "With All the Power of Heart and Tongue." This text is full of exuberance and breathless excitement and praise. So why is it paired with a slow, stately tune in the LDS 1985 Hymnal? There is nothing wrong with the Lowell M. Durham tune. It is very good. But it does not seem to match Isaac Watts' exuberant text. First off, the meter seems wrong. Where the Durham tune is in a "Majestic" 2/2, the lyrics seem to call out to be read/sung in 3/4. Hymns of praise generally have upsweeping phrases that declare hope and love and gratitude. This hymn tune has stately square phrases that generally end in downward motion. Besides that, it is slow!
I have actually only sung this hymn once at Church. In its current form, it is definitely not on the Top 40's Hits list. I really felt that the text needed a new tune to portray the powerful, upbeat text. This is what I came up with. Several versions are available --- 2-Part, SSA, Duet, SAB, SATB with Organ or Piano. Enjoy!
- Joy to the World (based on Psalm 98, tune by an unknown composer using fragments from Handel, first published in England in 1833, popularized by American Lowell Mason)
- Come ye that Love the Lord (often sung with the chorus [and titled] "We’re marching to Zion")
- O God, Our Help in Ages Past (based on Psalm 90)
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
- I Sing the Mighty Power of God (originally entitled Praise for Creation and Providence from Divine Songs Attempted in Easy Language for the Use of Children)
- My Shepherd Will Supply My Need (based on Psalm 23)
Another of his hymn texts of praise is "With All the Power of Heart and Tongue." This text is full of exuberance and breathless excitement and praise. So why is it paired with a slow, stately tune in the LDS 1985 Hymnal? There is nothing wrong with the Lowell M. Durham tune. It is very good. But it does not seem to match Isaac Watts' exuberant text. First off, the meter seems wrong. Where the Durham tune is in a "Majestic" 2/2, the lyrics seem to call out to be read/sung in 3/4. Hymns of praise generally have upsweeping phrases that declare hope and love and gratitude. This hymn tune has stately square phrases that generally end in downward motion. Besides that, it is slow!
I have actually only sung this hymn once at Church. In its current form, it is definitely not on the Top 40's Hits list. I really felt that the text needed a new tune to portray the powerful, upbeat text. This is what I came up with. Several versions are available --- 2-Part, SSA, Duet, SAB, SATB with Organ or Piano. Enjoy!
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