ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, April 4, 1996 TAG: 9604050030
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: FRANCES STEBBINS STAFF WRITER
The passion of Jesus - the story of Christ's final discourses with his friends, his trial, crucifixion and resurrection - has been the subject of many hymns, both traditional and written in this century.
In Christian history, the music of Easter precedes that of Christmas since Jesus' resurrection and the theology that grew up around it were what distinguished his followers from pagans and religious groups of the Roman Empire.
Brief histories of some of these hymns are found in anthologies such as one compiled by Erik Routley and in the notes accompanying works in an ecumenical hymnal edited by Donald Husted.
``Welcome Happy Morning'' is one of the oldest Easter hymns, with the words attributed to Venatus Honorius Fortunatus who lived from 530 to 609. He is the author of several other Easter favorites. In 19th century England, a revival of interest in early Christianity caused translators such as John Ellerton to make this hymn usable for churchgoers. The famed Victorian composer Arthur Sullivan wrote the music. There was no congregational singing in the Middle Ages; monks who used a simple chant led the services. Late medieval music was often based on carols, at Easter as at Christmas.
``O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing'' is another old hymn interesting because it tells the whole Easter story including the epilogue of "doubting Thomas." The music of a traditional French melody was used for words by the 15th century monk Jean Tisserand. The first several verses, sung at Easter, are addressed to Jesus' followers and tell of the resurrection. The last verses, appropriate for a later Sunday, recount the tale of Thomas.
``O Holy Jesus'', a somber hymn with a strongly personal confessional tone suitable for Lent, comes from the dark time of the 30 Years War in Europe. Johann Heermann wrote the words about 1630, and they were translated by Robert Bridges in 1899. Heermann was a contemporary of Johann Cruger, who is associated with German and Dutch pietism of the time when Central Europe was torn by religious wars. These conflicts sent many Europeans to America.
``Ride On, Ride On in Majesty'' is a once-a-year hymn for Palm Sunday. Written in 1827, it builds to a dramatic climax and helps span a service of worship which moves from Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem to his "going forth to die." Henry Milman, who lived in London from 1791 to 1868, is the author.
``Go to Dark Gethsemane'' by the Scotsman James Montgomery who was born in 1771, pictures the Christian on a journey of following Jesus' steps as was done in the famous book "The Pilgrim's Progress." It has a serious Holy Week flavor and dates from 1825.
When Jesus Wept, is a round with words by the first American composer of sacred music, William Billings. A Massachusetts tanner who lived from 1746 to 1800, Billings was a leader in promoting "singing schools" during the colonial period. The little song is simple yet exerts a powerful effect, as many church choirs have discovered. Billings' theology is close to that of English evangelicals such as the Wesley brothers.
``Wondrous Love'' dates to 1811 and has its origin in the Southern Appalachians where many settlers had come from Scotland, some by way of Ireland. It is one of many haunting melodies collected in song books known by such names as Walker's Southern Harmony or The Sacred Harp. The Shenandoah Valley was a center for the publication of many of these songs without known authors, but the Southern Harmony book was issued in New Haven, Conn.
``He Lives,'' with words and music by Alfred H. Ackley, a native of Pennsylvania who lived from 1887 to 1960, is a typical American revivalist hymn popularized by such evangelists as Homer Rodeheaver. The story is that in 1933 a young Jew asked Ackley why he should "believe in a dead Jew." The song is the composer's answer. The hymn is sung in many Western Virginia evangelical churches and not always at Easter.
``In the Garden'' is another American Protestant favorite with Easter as its theme, although that is not always recognized. C. Austin Miles, who lived from 1868 to 1946, said it was inspired by the Resurrection account in John 20 where Mary Magalene "goes to the garden alone" and finds the risen Jesus at his tomb. The hymn was written in 1912 in Lakehurst, N.J., and quickly became a favorite.
``Because He Lives!'' is even newer, being a 1971 gospel song written by William J. and Gloria Gaither and influenced by the spiritual renewal "Jesus Movement" of 25 years ago. The Gaithers, in the manner of modern technology, made many recordings and wrote popular sacred music performed in large public concerts or by choirs, making a break with the tradition of centuries.
LENGTH: Medium: 81 linesby CNB