June 2002
Hymns for the Small Church (Book Review)	Show Menu

Ed. Brian Anderson & William
Llewwellyn, Published by RSCM
(ref: AB 46), £3.20.

This booklet a collection of fifteen hymns aimed at the ‘pianist voluntary organist” — is one of the items which forms part of the “starter pack’ from the RSCM. It is intended for organists who do not use pedals but find full four-part hymn-playing a bit difficult.

The layout of the music is refreshingly clear and uncluttered. Generally, the music is written with two notes in the right hand and has a single-note left-hand part (except Repton), and sticks very closely to the harmonies of the Church Hymnal. The arrangements sit well under the fingers, and Repton in particular will be welcomed for those not endowed with six fingers on each hand. The hymns are laid out in almost alphabetical order by first line with the notable exception of “The Lord’s my shepherd” which is listed under Crimorid.

Each hymn includes a suggested introduction, which I think could be welcome. There is one however (Thorrtbury) which I would suggest is unsuitable. Each hymn has the phrase-ends marked in the music except Blaenwern / Love Divine, where every second line of words has phrasing commas. The editors mention the need to reflect the meaning of the words in the playing of these hymns, and therefore these omissions are unfortunate.

There are a few words which differ from the Hymnal, so those proposing to use the booklet would need to check through for the occasional word change (which we have probably become used to at this stage!). There are some hymns with a verse omitted while two have an extra verse (thankfully, using the wording of the 1959 Hymnal and not the new “PC”, “sanitised” 2000 version).

The editors have included a few “Notes on practising and performance” at the end of the booklet and refer to another similar booklet “Hymns for the Reluctant Organist” by Janette Cooper published by Oxford University Press.

Generally speaking I think this book would be very useful to any “voluntary” player. It is a pity that some glaring errors of notation (wrong notes in Hyfrydol and Praise my Soul, and accidentals omitted in Laudate Dominum) have not been edited out.

Graham Walsh, Glenageary.

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