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...]
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...]
My Stake Conference Choir 1 – Did You Think to Pray?
Last Sunday we had stake conference and I was asked to conduct the choir. This conference was my first opportunity to use a recently composed arrangement: a few [Read more...]
Vocal Ranges in Hymns – a statistical analysis
Something more technical today: this is a post about how to write a hymn that real people can sing – at least one important aspect of writing, anyway, which is [Read more...]