May 19, 2024

The prelude is the Wilbur Held setting of "Veni Creator Spiritus", 504 in our hymnal.  As you will note in the hymnal this is "plainsong", which was "the" church music for centuries, a single line, not sung in strict rhythm.  Gregorian chant, which became so popular decades ago through recordings, grew out of plainsong.  When a particular "mode" is indicated (in this case Mode 8), it simply means that it is based on a certain scale, or arrangement of whole and half steps, similar to what we all know as "major" and "minor".  Because so many people like this setting, I have played it many times on Pentecost Sunday.  Wilbur Held (1914-2015) had a very distinguished career in the Midwest before "retiring" to California to compose, play recitals, and act as clinician.

In keeping with tradition, our processional hymn is the Ralph Vaughan Williams "Hail thee, festival day", 225.  The Gospel hymn is the beautiful "Come, gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove", 512, from the 19th century.

The anthem is the David Ashley White (contemporary American) "Like the Murmur of the Dove's Song", which uses the words of hymn 513.

The first communion hymn is the well known "Come down, O Love Divine" (516), followed by 698, "Eternal Spirit of the living Christ".  I think both of these hymns are favorites of many.

Closing, we will sing hymn 48, "O day of radiant gladness", the German folk tune used also for hymn 616, "Hail to the Lord's Anointed".  This is another well known and loved hymn.

The postlude is a Jonathan Reuss setting of "Crown Him with Many Crowns", which we sang last week.  As you may remember, Mr. Reuss is contemporary American and very involved in the Lutheran church.