Mr. Riddle posts an All Saints hymn.
One of my favorite hymns is For All the Saints, sung to Ralph Vaughn William's tune Sine Nomine. I especially like the fact that it comes in on the second beat of the measure, after a wonderful intro that is best done on a full-throated pipe organ. I want that song sung at my funeral (unless of course I die during Lent - the alleluias!) and I want all the verses (eleven?) sung with vigor and feeling. Too many parishes relegate this hymn to All Saints day in leap years ending with a zero - and then they do it poorly, coming in too early or omitting the foot pedal on the organ (which, I do admit, can be done decently as octaves on the piano).
My grandmother taught First Grade at All Saint's Episcopal day school in San Diego for more than 30 years. I attended that school for second grade, I sent my oldest daughter there for 4th grade. I first learned to read music and sing in parts in All Saints' choir.
O blest communion, fellowship divine!
we feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Happy All Saints' day.
It was difficult beyond words to keep myself from belting out "For All The Saints" during the recessional this morning. Our normally reliable Anglophile choirmaster fell down on the job. :-/
I love that hymn too
LOVE that hymn, love it, love it.
We didn't sing it this year--but we sang other good stuff.