Where are the new hymns?
Here’s a topic I’ve been contemplating a long time. There are two well-known talks on this subject, both from the mid 70's, one by Elder Packer and the other by [Read more...]
Hymnbook Statistical Analysis 2 – Time
In discussing the hymns, time is more subjective than pitch, since it depends on how fast (or slow) the organist is playing. (Notice I didn't say how fast the [Read more...]
Appropriate Sacrament Meeting Music, Part I
I’ve thought quite a lot about this topic over the years. As with many musicians, playing in church was among my first experiences in public [Read more...]
On Commercializing Music
About six years ago my current website went live. My goal was to allow people access to my music and perhaps promote some commercial activity. For years I had [Read more...]
My first live General Conference
I just had a unique experience: after a lifetime as a Mormon, after many wonderful experiences of blessing others and being blessed, after an unexpected but [Read more...]
Orson Scott Card Hymns: Forword 4
Originality in hymn writing One basic goal I strive towards: the hymn must be special. After all is said and done, after all the technical restrictions that [Read more...]
Orson Scott Card Hymns: Forword 3
Technical considerations in hymn composition II: Melody A note about my hymn melodies: I like them to have motivic unity, meaning small melodic fragments [Read more...]
Orson Scott Card Hymns: Forword 2
Technical considerations in hymn composition I: Working with the Text Now to some of my thoughts on hymn writing for the composer. It should be obvious [Read more...]
Orson Scott Card Hymns: Forword 1
from the Forword to Hymns of Light Introduction: The Power and purpose of hymns Music is a mystery. Let me begin with a personal anecdote. I recall [Read more...]
My Stake Conference Choir 2 – More Holiness Give Me
Philip Paul Bliss was born in Pennsylvania the same year as Joseph F. Smith (1838). He worked as a school teacher and music teacher for many years until he [Read more...]