October 12, 2025

The prelude is called "Choral with Interludes", and is by the American, Courtlandt Palmer (1872-1951), who wrote in the neo-romantic style.  A choral, as you may know, is like a hymn, and the "interludes" are like variations on that tune.

Our processional hymn is the popular 17th century German hymn, "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation" (390).  Note (in the hymnal) that the harmonization seems to be English, and the descant for verse 4 is 20th century.  Then our Gospel hymn is the well known Irish ballad melody called "Slane", "Be Thou my vision, Lord of my heart" (488).

The offertory anthem is "Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go", by Richard Shephard (1949-2021), the English composer we and many other choirs depend on, as his music is " accessible" and usually has beautiful melodies.  As I mentioned before, he was the presenter at a workshop I attended years ago in Colorado.  I think he also could have been a comedian!

Communion hymns are the beautiful 20th century hymn, "God of mercy, God of grace" (538) and the much older (check out the hymnal notes), "God Himself is with us" (475).

Closing, we will sing the great hymn, "God of grace and God of glory" (594).

The postlude is a setting of the Beethoven "Ode to Joy", by the contemporary American, Dr. Albert L. Travis.  

I will be in Italy the following 3 weeks;  Peegy White will be taking all choir rehearsals and playing 10/26 and 11/2; Otho Hoyte will be playing 10/19.  I will resume writing these brief notes the week of 11/3!  I will miss Calvary!