We all know how to classify hymns. There are those we know and those we don’t know, those we like and don’t like, those that are easy and those that are difficult, those that are singable and those that are impossible! Might the congregation not have more useful classifications and information to assist it in appropriating for its use the hymns and chorales which have inspired Christian worship over the centuries? Does this not become even more important when cultural diversity and the fraying of shared cultural/religious upbringing and experience are increasing, so that to many the staples of 19th century American Protestant hymnody are as unknown as Gregorian chant? This two-week class will explore the varieties of Christian hymnody, with special emphasis on the great Lutheran musical tradition, and how one may become better equipped to find (and express in singing) the distinctive power and spirit lying within so many of our hymns and chorales.
Carroll Shaddock will offer this presentation on Sundays, April 3 and 10 at 9:45 a.m. in the parish hall.