I remembered!

[eliskimo]

One things that semi-often frustrates me is when I hear a tune I know, but can't place. I had that experience on Sunday.

theagentx and I were up visiting his grandmother for Easter and we went to the Easter morning service at the Anglican church in town. Generally I find that I have trouble following half of what's going on in an Anglican service (what

Comments

[suelet]

I grew up anglican...I can understand how you feel though.
When everyone knows what they're doing, I've always thought of it as a well coordinated ballet.
I find the ritual and routine soothing, actually, and as a choir member I found it put me in a more "spiritual place" than most church services.

I'd have exactly the opposite reaction...I wouldn't know the BoneyM tune...but "Thine is the Glory" is an old friend.

At Easter, we would be at the church for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Saturday and Sunday...each service with different music and generally some kind of large piece or oratorio for the Sunday service. As I got older, I was often one of the soloists, singing with Mom and Dad. While it was exhausting, upon reflection it was an enjoyable and thrilling time...and nice because I got to spend soo much time with my parents and the members of my choir who were like family.

I wouldn't do it now, but it brings back wonderful memories.

[lametiger]

In case you want to add it to your trivia bank, the particular song (I'm not sure if it is an air or a chorus) from Judas Maccabeus to which the tune belongs is "See the Conquering Hero Comes." I think I have only heard that in instrumental form, which I have heard numerous times because of my interest in classical music. Interesting that it has been used in something other than the hymn as well. I have not heard "O Zion's Daughter" and don't know whether I ever will.

[suelet]

Many of Handel's pieces were adopted for hymns, and even for pieces of music in the liturgy. Ditto for Bach and some Mozart. They had the advantage of regular rythms that often fit the meter of liturgical poetry. There are many "repeated tunes" in the Anglican hymn books, particularly in the "old blue book" which dates from the second world war. The church adopted a system of tune "types" which would allow you to cross reference lyrics (which is the wrong word...but I can't remember which is the correct word!) to different tunes if there was a reason to do so.

[culturalnomad]

I have never heard that particular Boney M track -- I'll have to look for it -- but have known and loved the tune for years, both as part of the Handel oratorio and as the hymn, "Thine Be the Glory." I have an awfully hard time, though, getting anyone else to try singing it or especially to use it in a church service.