♫ Blaenwern: last line
A key part of “Our Calling” as Methodists is to “respond to the
gospel of God's love in Christ”. Trying to express something of
that divine love helps us to begin our response. The poetry
of Wesley’s iconic hymn “Love divine, all loves excelling” has
been given lots of attention by musicians trying to join word
and melody to tell of God’s love. Hymns and Psalms offers
not 2 but 3 dedicated tunes – and a wee footnote offering a
fourth choice as well! Blaenwern (by William Rowlands around
1904) is the Welsh tune of royal wedding fame most loved today,
but there are other options.
The Methodist Hymn Book features a 19th century tune by Zündel,
which leaps around rather joyfully – a very appropriate
response to God’s love! The fifth line has a particular
depth and seriousness, perhaps most suited to the long omitted
2nd verse “take away our power of sinning” (you can see why
it’s omitted) – but that depth is helpful too in other verses.
Let’s hear verse 1 as an example, sung by Janet R.
♫ Love Divine (Beecher) by Zundel: v1
Sometimes a congregation will get more out of a tune that is
easier to sing, allowing space to really pay attention to the
meaning of the words. Hyfrodol (that footnote in Hymns and
Psalms) is a well known, very singable tune that lends itself
to that more reflective attention. Lines 5 and 6 here
have a longing quality – very appropriate as we imagine
heaven’s activity – but the final line still lifts as we
turn towards the promise of God’s love. Let’s hear verse 2.
♫ Hyfrydol: v2
Worship can be a foretaste of the promise of heaven, and the
words of Love Divine are well suited to that. Imagine the time
when we would be truly “lost in wonder, love and praise”. A tune
that speaks of this promise – starting with a phrase almost
floating towards heaven – was originally adapted by John
Wesley from an opera song “Fairest Isle, all isles
excelling” in 1761 (Charles Wesley’s words are a rewriting
of the song). It’s a tricky sing, and unfamiliar, but worth
considering for a choir. We’ll hear verse 3 to it in a moment –
but as you listen, consider which of the tunes we’ve heard
today speaks to you. Which do you find most helpful to tell of
God’s love? There are also many more to choose from, including
Blaenwern of couse. Let me know if I’ve missed your favourite
tune out – this hymn might just need a second podcast.
♫ Westminster: v3