Comments on: Should we re-arrange old hymns? http://www.markpeterson.com.au/2010/03/10/should-we-re-arrange-old-hymns/ official site - music, blog, chords, resources, photo's and video's. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:00:48 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Paul Kershaw http://www.markpeterson.com.au/2010/03/10/should-we-re-arrange-old-hymns/#comment-377 Paul Kershaw Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:25:02 +0000 http://localhost:8888/?p=61#comment-377 Rearranging hymns is not a new thing. Take Amazing Grace for example. There is no evidence that the tune we all know as the traditional tune was written by Newton when he penned the song. In fact the earliest tune known published for this hymn was published almost 30 years later. Since then the words have been set to quite a few different tunes before arriving at what we call the traditional arrangement. Many of our other hymns were written originally as poems. Only to be set to hymns some time later, often by people the "poets" never met nor knew. Music is very emotive and it's understandable that people get upset when things thay have grown to love are changed. I believe it is always worth reviewing works in the context of changing culture such that we can continue to connect with a new generation who need to hear the gospel. If this means adding a chorus to an old hymn (a la Chris Tomlin) then let's give that a go. I admire the beaty of SATB arrangements for hymns and in our church I often choose to have at least one verse sung without music and sometimes all, to provide a contrast with our contemprary songs. After all it's the words we want to hear (each other singing) more than the music. Interestingly about Amazing Grace - Except for what we know about John Newton and how he came to write it, if you look at the words I've always thought it's not a distinctively Christian song. I believe this is why it is popular in the non Christian world too (and why they could make a movie out of it without losing on the deal). The theme of grace is certainly there, God is mentioned, but we are left to only infer Jesus and the way in which God's grace is imparted to us. If we rewrite any of the older hymns, musically or lyrically or add choruses etc it always worth reviewing the theology, it's flow and any gaps. I'm thinking we shouldnt just assume that because it's in the AHB that all is perfect. Rearranging hymns is not a new thing. Take Amazing Grace for example. There is no evidence that the tune we all know as the traditional tune was written by Newton when he penned the song. In fact the earliest tune known published for this hymn was published almost 30 years later. Since then the words have been set to quite a few different tunes before arriving at what we call the traditional arrangement.
Many of our other hymns were written originally as poems. Only to be set to hymns some time later, often by people the “poets” never met nor knew.
Music is very emotive and it’s understandable that people get upset when things thay have grown to love are changed. I believe it is always worth reviewing works in the context of changing culture such that we can continue to connect with a new generation who need to hear the gospel. If this means adding a chorus to an old hymn (a la Chris Tomlin) then let’s give that a go.
I admire the beaty of SATB arrangements for hymns and in our church I often choose to have at least one verse sung without music and sometimes all, to provide a contrast with our contemprary songs. After all it’s the words we want to hear (each other singing) more than the music.
Interestingly about Amazing Grace – Except for what we know about John Newton and how he came to write it, if you look at the words I’ve always thought it’s not a distinctively Christian song. I believe this is why it is popular in the non Christian world too (and why they could make a movie out of it without losing on the deal). The theme of grace is certainly there, God is mentioned, but we are left to only infer Jesus and the way in which God’s grace is imparted to us. If we rewrite any of the older hymns, musically or lyrically or add choruses etc it always worth reviewing the theology, it’s flow and any gaps. I’m thinking we shouldnt just assume that because it’s in the AHB that all is perfect.

]]> By: Mark http://www.markpeterson.com.au/2010/03/10/should-we-re-arrange-old-hymns/#comment-368 Mark Mon, 21 Feb 2011 05:07:54 +0000 http://localhost:8888/?p=61#comment-368 Thank you, Elizabeth. I actually agree with you! Some of the old tunes are better than others, just as some of the old lyrics are better than others. (Just as some contemporary tunes and lyrics are better than others!!). My recent practice has been to try to preserve the old tunes and lyrics, but to make them work with a contemporary band. This has the benefit of making these old gems more accessible to younger generations. Cheers, Mark Thank you, Elizabeth. I actually agree with you! Some of the old tunes are better than others, just as some of the old lyrics are better than others. (Just as some contemporary tunes and lyrics are better than others!!).

My recent practice has been to try to preserve the old tunes and lyrics, but to make them work with a contemporary band. This has the benefit of making these old gems more accessible to younger generations.

Cheers,
Mark

]]> By: Elizabeth Moss http://www.markpeterson.com.au/2010/03/10/should-we-re-arrange-old-hymns/#comment-349 Elizabeth Moss Sun, 13 Feb 2011 23:00:06 +0000 http://localhost:8888/?p=61#comment-349 Leave the old hymns alone. Often their rich use of language goes far deeper in expressing the incredible love of God than the wimpy words we use today. Music written for these hymns is often so much more suited to their words than music from today. Some do need to be changed, but not many. Why can't we appreciate what we have here. This music is a gift from God and the words of God from some fabulous witnesses to His work. Sure, write new stuff, but don't take away from what we have already. We need to learn to appreciate it more, not just dismiss it. Leave the old hymns alone. Often their rich use of language goes far deeper in expressing the incredible love of God than the wimpy words we use today.
Music written for these hymns is often so much more suited to their words than music from today. Some do need to be changed, but not many. Why can’t we appreciate what we have here. This music is a gift from God and the words of God from some fabulous witnesses to His work. Sure, write new stuff, but don’t take away from what we have already. We need to learn to appreciate it more, not just dismiss it.

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