Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #25483 in Books
• Published on: 1996-05-14
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 1216 pages

Customer Reviews

Decent material, cheaply produced book
As a compromise between "fuddy-duddy hymns" and "happy-clappy worship songs" this is pretty good. There are some issues though. Some hymns are set in lower than usual keys, supposedly to make them easier to sing, especially for grieving men at funerals. This often makes the bass part too much of a rumble, or just causes unnecessary bafflement. Hark the Herald in F? It's ALWAYS in G, and its pushing of low voices to the limit in the 3rd verse is part of the fun. There's also some PC rewording, which can create unnecessary hassle if the choir want to use music in (e.g.) Carols for Choirs, and one or two surprising omissions like (from memory) "I vow to thee my country".

Worst of all, the 'hardback' cover is cheaply made and will probably fall off after a few years. I speak from experience. A book that's intended for use at weekly choir practice and services should be built to last.

An excellent anthology of old and new
This collection of hymns includes many old favourites - Lead, Kindly Light .., Abide with me ... etc - and some which have come to prominence more recently - The Peruvian Gloria, a selection of Graham Kendrick's output, Taize choruses etc.

Recommended.