OF THE

Protestant Episcopal Church

WITH MUSIC

EDITED BY THE

Rev. A. B. GOODRICH D.D.

RECTOR OF CALVARY CHURCH, UTICA, N. Y.

AND

WALTER B. GILBERT Mus. B. Oxon.

ORGANIST OF TRINITY CHAPEL, NEW YORK

PREFACE.

IN the preparation of this work the same principle has been observed which seems to have guided the Hymnal Committee in the compilation of the words to which tunes are here set, namely, to provide, within proper limits, for a great variety of wants and tastes. A comprehensive gauge in the character of the tunes is required in a work designed for general use, and although the expectation is not entertained of pleasing all, yet it is believed that the present collection will be found well adapted to meet the wants of most of our congregations, in town and country. While care has been taken to exclude frivolous and secular compositions, and to sustain throughout a high average level in the character of the music, a few tunes which the student of a severe style of ecclesiastical music might not approve have been admitted, because on certain occasions any other tunes would not be acceptable or practicable. At missionary services especially, the introduction of other than familiar melodies would deprive the majority of the worshippers of the privilege of joining in the service of sacred song. Differences of taste and local preferences have in a measure been provided for, by giving in many cases alternate tunes. In some instances this plan seemed the more desirable on account of the difficulty of making a selection from several tunes equally suitable.

The Editors feel deeply the importance of elevating the standard of musical culture in our congregations, and they are in hearty sympathy with those who are labouring for this most desirable object; but they believe that the improvement will be best promoted, not by attempting a complete and radical change at once, but by gradually educating the people in a purer taste and better knowledge of the sacred art. The present work is prepared in accordance with these views, and in the hope that it will prove practically useful as a musical companion of the new Hymnal, and be found to contribute in some degree to the improvement of our ecclesiastical music.

The various sources from which materials have been obtained for this work are given in the index. The best ancient, together with modern compositions of acknowledged excellence, have been freely used. The greater part of the collection consists of the standard tunes which have been so long and justly prized. For some of the peculiar metres it was found necessary to provide new tunes. Our grateful acknowledgments are tendered to those authors and proprietors who have so courteously placed their compositions at our disposal, and to the many kind friends who have aided us by their valuable suggestions.

The system of notation which has been observed, it is believed, will prove advantageous in many respects, especially in suggesting a more spirited movement than that which is usually adopted for congregational singing. It is not intended, however, to indicate that all the tunes are to be sung at a rapid pace. The character of the tune and the subjectmatter of the hymn in each case will suggest to the leader or choir the proper style of performance. Pauses should be made at the end of the lines to avoid hurry and preserve dignity.

The tunes are given in keys best adapted to congregational singing, a matter of some importance, as organs are now built with a higher pitch than formerly.

The insertion of first verses between the staves, and the placing of the stems of the notes for each part in their proper positions, are advantages which will be readily recognized, and it is hoped will increase the value of the book sufficiently to compensate for the additional outlay required to secure this desirable feature.

A. B. G.
W. B. G.

May, 1872.

Advent.

8.7.8.7.4.7.

1. Lo, he comes, with clouds descend-ing, Once for fa-vour'd sin-ners slain;

Thousand thousand saints at tend-ing Swell the

Hallelujah, Hal - le- lu - jah, God ap-pears on earth to reign. A-men.