Book Description

"The publication of Baptist Hymnal 1975 has already modified the musical life of Southern Baptist churches. While conserving the hymns and gospel songs that Baptists have long loved, it has substantially increased the breadth of their hymnody. It is perhaps the first major denominational hymnal to reflect the new folk-gospel hymnody that is dynamically emerging today in American Christianity. It also draws, however, on great hymnic traditions of the past, especially those of England and Germany. It thus is a surprisingly universal collection of Christian song. It is this exciting book, developed under the editorial leadership of William J. Reynolds, which is the basis for Companion to Baptist Hymnal. The companion contains background information about the content of the hymnal--when and where texts and tunes were written, who authors and composers are, and some fascinating facts about why texts were written and how they have affected Christian life. Much of the panorama of Christian history is reflected in these pages, from the devotion of medieval monastics to the stirring lives of reformers and revivalists. Every reader who would understand Christianity stands to learn from these pages. Leaders of Christian worship, in particular, need the depth of background information that is provided here. Ministers and congregational music leaders can gain new understanding of, and appreciation for, the rich treasury of devotion that is contained in the hymnal. People who are interested in the study of Christian hymnody will find information here about recent hymns that has never been published before. Familiar material about older hymns is presented in clear and concise form. The first section of the book is arranged alphabetically by hymn text, with tunes discussed under related texts. The second section alphabetically lists authors and composers."--Dust jacket.