Hymn of the Day: “Jesus, priceless treasure” ELW 775
Text: Johann Franck, 1618-1677; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878, alt.
Tune: JESU MEINE FREUDE, Johann Crüger, 1598-1662

A most appropriate hymn for the day is “Jesus, priceless treasure” (ELW 775). Using some of the imagery of today’s gospel, such as a treasure that is priceless, the author Johann Franck adds his own image of the merciful domain of God: God is lover, for whom we are thirsting, in whose arm we rest. Such erotic religious imagery was more common in its time, 1653, than it is for some Christians in the present time. Any suggestions why?

— Gail Ramshaw

Johann Crüger composed JESU, MEINE FREUDE, a bar form tune (AAB) written for this text. Crüger was one of the most distinguished musicians of his time. He was editor of Praxis pietatis melica, considered one of the most important collections of German hymnody in the seventeenth century. Of his hymn tunes, which are generally noble and simple in style, some 20 are still in use, the best known probably being "NUN DANKET ALLE GOTT."

Opening Voluntary: Liturgical Prelude #2, George Oldroyd (1886-1951)

George Oldroyd was an English organist, composer and teacher of Anglican church music. He composed numerous settings of the mass, but is best remembered for his Mass of the Quiet Hour composed in 1928. It is still part of the repertoire of many English cathedrals and parish churches. Other works include the part song, “Lute book lullaby”, organ works including the Liturgical Prelude played today and pieces for piano and for violin. Oldroyd was an authority on counterpoint, and published The Technique And Spirit Of Fugue: An Historical Study.

Offertory: In Communion Dennis Eliot (1941)

Today’s Offertory is a setting of the hymn tune TRUST IN JESUS, with a text written by Louisa M. R. Stead (1850-1917). The accounts vary widely on the details and drama surrounding the writing of this hymn. What is known is that, in 1880, Louisa Stead’s husband drowned, and that this hymn was published in Songs of Triumph two years later. It is widely believed that she wrote this hymn in response to the peace she found in trusting Jesus despite her sorrow. Mrs. Stead went on to serve for many years as a missionary in Africa.

This hymn is always sung to the tune TRUST IN JESUS, which was written for this text by William Kirkpatrick (1838-1921) in 1882 and appeared in the first publication of this text.

Closing Voluntary: Fanfare Jacques Lemmens (1823-1881)

When Jacques Nicolas Lemmens first published his organ method book, the Ecole d'orgue. his aim was twofold: to help organists develop the technical ability to play great organ literature, and to provide a body of repertoire especially suited to the Catholic church. Although the compositions in the Ecole are rarely performed today, the exercises that Lemmens developed to improve the technique of organists have had a profound influence on organ pedagogy for over one hundred years.

Jacques-Nicholas Lemmens was an eminent Belgian organist, recitalist, composer, and educator. His first organ training was with his father, then he studied at the Royal Brussels Conservatoire, where he was appointed organ professor at age 26. His distinguished students included Alexander Guilmant and Charles-Marie Widor. During 1852 he presented numerous stunning organ recitals in Paris. His astonishing pedal technique was mostly due to his studies of Bach’s organ works, which were not well-known in France at the time.

Fanfare is Lemmens’ most famous composition, which was very popular when he performed it in recitals, and is probably his most famous work today.