Johnson, E: Sursum Corda -

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Résumé :
Excerpt from Sursum Corda: A Book of Praise

The hymns in sursum corda are the voice of Christian sentiment rather than doctrine of sentiment which generally has sought expression in other days, certainly seeks it in-our day. A few of these hymns didactic in form are really expressive and provocative of sentiment, and fit therefore for musical rendering.

The tunes are such as meet the demand Of advancing taste for more Significant melody and richer harmony. The largest possible choice is constantly afforded between tunes of strictly choral form and those which Show a freer rhythm and more ornate melody. Hymn tunes so familiar that almost every one can sing them from memory are rarely inserted more than once, but are frequently referred to.

However elaborate in harmony the modern tunes may be, they are at once available for any congregation which will confine itself TO the melody, as composers Of chorals have always intended. In nearly every case the melodies are within easy range Of average voices, either because originally so written, or because here transposed into a lower key. While a tune remains unfamiliar it may be well for the choir to aid the congregation by uniting its voices on the air. The organ sufficiently fills the ear with the missing vocal parts, and satisfies the feeling for harmony.

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