In my survey of the songs from Gather 3 that haven’t found their way into this blog already, I have reached the section for mission and ministry.
This is by Tony Alonso, which is always a pleasure, and has the Ireland via US vibe. The first clip below has that odd choir sound that you only hear from the US that I suppose must be how church choirs are meant sound there. The other clips beat it for enthusiasm and sound more normal.
For all that, the song would be a fine recessional.
This is an African American folk song in Gather 3rd ed. As I noted previously, I should not be surprised that the Gather songs that I haven’t already come across as generally used in Australian churches, are likely to be those that are from another culture. That doesn’t mean they can’t be used, but it does mean they won’t come naturally to many parish musicians here.
My head is spinning from the number of different translations of this Spanish text (Vs 1 trad. Vs 2-4 Roberto Escamilla). It is in the “Christian Life” section of Gather 3rd ed. and is suitable for a healing mass or funerals, if, of course, you can credibly do Mexican music.
I have already blogged Haugen’s version, but the one in Gather 3 is Ronald Krisman’s arrangement. Like a lot of unloved GIA arrangements it has only a handbell arrangement that I can find at GIA. The screenshot at Hymnary has the Spanish lyric and a different English translation. The tune is SOMOS DEL SEÑOR.
I suppose it makes sense that many of the songs left over from Gather 3rd ed. that I haven’t blogged from other sources already will be world music (Irish, African, Spanish etc.)
This one is traditional Xhosa, but the translation and adaptation are copyrighted. It is is a hymn of encouragement in times of trial.
GIA sell what appears to be a slightly different arrangement these days. Looking at their preview, the lyrics and the translation match what I have in Gather 3. I note other translations with “hold on” or “hold fast” rather than “never give up.”
Gather 3rd ed. puts this song in the “Christian Life” section but it could easily be a Gathering or Eucharistic hymn. The text is by Ruth Duck and it is set by Lori True in an Celtic style (OK Celtic via the US style).
This is a Taizé chant and in Gather 3rd ed. they have the refrain in English, Spanish and Swedish and verses in English and Spanish. It is based on Psalm 63:1-4,7-8 and John 7:37-39 and credited to the Taizé community.
GIA only sell the handbell version that I can find, but Hymnary lists the hymnals in which this song is found and the lyrics are in the previews there. Cantus Mundi has some background information as well.
If you go to the Taizé site and click on “Kristus, din Ande”, they give all the words and practice melody lines for each part of the chant.
GIA only seems to have a hand bell arrangement now, so you might have to hunt it down in one of the hymn collections noted at Hymnary. The text is in the previews there too.
This Shaker hymn is in in Gather 3rd ed. in the “Christian Life” section.
It was written by Joseph Brackett (1979-1882). While a fine old folk song, I can’t think of any use for it in liturgy. I don’t think the text is as clear now as it may have been when written. It now reads like a precursor to “How Sweet to Be an Idiot”.
The sheet music is at Hymnary.Mary at Godsongs has looked at this song further – I was sure she would have, it’s right up her alley.
‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free, ‘Tis the gift to come down where I ought to be; And when we find ourselves in the place just right, ‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight. When true simplicity is gained, To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed; to turn, turn, will be my delight. Till by turning, turning we come round right.
While their friends at OCP set this ancient text to WESTMINSTER ABBEY, which I blogged here, GIA set it to St THOMAS (John Wade). The text is C11 Angularis fundamentum, translated C19 by John Neale. It is in the “Church” section of Gather 3rd ed. thematically.
The sheet music is at Hymnary. The text below is as altered by GIA.
1 Christ is made the sure foundation, Christ, our head and cornerstone, Chosen of the Lord, and precious, Binding all the Church in one, Holy Zion’s help forever, And our confidence alone.
2 To this temple, where we call You, Come, O Lord of Hosts, today; With y0ur steadfast loving kindness, Hear Your servants as they pray; And Your fullest benediction shed in all its bright array.
3 Here bestow on all your servants What they ask of you again, What they gain from You, forever With the blessed to retain, And hereafter in your glory Evermore with you to reign.
4 Praise and honor to the Father, Praise and honor to the Son, Praise and honor to the Spirit, Ever Three, and ever one: One in might, and one in glory, While unending ages run!
I've worked my way through the As One Voice books and other collections making backings on Band in a Box to help me (& you if you're interested) learn new songs for church. This is aimed at churches and musicians that own the collections but haven't exploited them fully. If you don't have them they are certainly worth buying. This site is educational, nonprofit and designed to enhance the commercial prospects of songwriters. This site does not distribute copyrighted sheet music.
Disclaimer
Any opinions expressed here are personal views and not the responsibility of any Church.
All music backings posted are created by myself and the intention is for them to be used to learn the songs. If any copyright holder wishes me to cease publicising and promoting their wares and directing people to where sheet music can be legally purchased please let me know.
Mason’s “Mass of Glory and Praise”
To access my backings for Paul Mason's mass go to Feb 2011 in the archive.
