John and Graham principally write/wrote for piano, not organ. I would argue a
competent pianist should be able to lead any size of congregation with the set
tune – right hand melody-only once through and then introduce harmonies once
singing. They also wrote (John still does) for settings in which time was given
at the start of worship to teach and learn new songs, and would strongly
recommend that as a practice.
All that said, yes, it seems it would go well to Kilmarnock – I think it’s
frequently the case that where John writes original tunes there may be an
alternative Scottish tune available! It is an intriguing set of words and
music, since the words are clearly 464 86, yet the tune is very much 446 86 and
that certainly allows some 86 86 tunes to be considered.
As always, happy to see John & Graham’s work being commended. This morning we
had StF 139, “Today I awake” as our opening hymn at our Circuit Zoom Service.
Shalom,
Tom
From: methmins-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <methmins-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf
Of Alan Sharp
Sent: 10 January 2021 12:27
To: methmins@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [methmins] StF 612
In the Connexional Lectionary (inside the Prayer Handbook) yesterday's hymn was
612. I'd not come across this before but the words seem highly relevant at
the present time. But the tune may not be suitable for small congregations
(or any Church without a choir?) and the listed metre seems unique - 44 6 86.
But this disguises the fact that it can be sung to most CM tunes, and I thing
"Kilmarnock", StF 542, is very suitable.
It would be unfortunate if the words are not sung because the set tune may seem
difficult - although I can see that it does reflect the words very well.
Alan
