Three weeks into my year long project and I’m already deviating from my original list, although I suppose I am entitled to contribute a hymn or two! This is an old (1868) Sunday school song that I hadn’t thought of in years – maybe not since I was a child. Two weeks ago, when scheduled to play a prelude at church, I was looking for something that reflected the theme of ‘light’ that was planned for the service. After flipping through a couple of hymnbooks, this little gem popped up. Both the words and the tune are quite simple.

It’s an easy concept for children. Perhaps a more difficult one for adults laden with the implications of language and ideas that can be understood differently depending on one’s experience of the world. I will choose a simple interpretation. While all is not right with the world, we do have the opportunity to bring to it something pure and clear.

Thinking about these simple words and the idea that we can choose to brighten our world in many ways, also reminded me of the words of Martin Luther King.   I think I may have used this quote in my high school yearbook, and if I could recall where it was I would check! He said, “Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.”

From my small corner, I give you this song.

I suppose I should have started this year of song by defining what a hymn is. The word hymn comes from the Greek word hymnos which means a song of praise. This is a fairly common definition, but many also add that a hymn is a song of joy, thanksgiving, adoration and prayer. While most of us probably associate hymns with the Christian church, it would be difficult for one religious group to claim them entirely. The ancient Egyptians had hymns, as did the ancient Greeks (the Homeric Hymns), the Hindu tradition (the Vedas) and of course, we can’t forget the Psalms of Judaism. I’m sure there are many others – past and present.   There is something quite basic about using words and music to express our deepest emotions.

This understanding of the diversity and history of hymnody brings us to today’s selection. September 21^st is the UN International Day of Peace.   It feels to me that we are regularly inundated with news reporting horrors of war, unrest, poverty and injustice. Sometimes the news seems very distant, and sometimes very close. Sometimes events are massive and overwhelming, sudden or longstanding, personal or unknown. Today I offer a hymn of prayer. At times it is difficult to know what else to do but cry these very familiar words.

It seemed like a good place to start, a good way to look forward.   Four people requested this one – although none told me why. It’s a lovely tune and has some dandy words (buckler doesn’t come up all that often!).   Based on the ancient Irish melody and poem, Rob tu mo bhoile, e Comdi cride, the text was translated by Mary Elizabeth Byrne in 1905.

To me, this hymn speaks of the strength to be found in allowing whatever secures one’s soul and spirit to be a guide through all we live. Faith, beliefs and values can be both powerful and comforting if we allow them to inform the many decisions to be made every day. These words speak of that power as well as the dignity, delight, shelter, wisdom, joy and vision that comes from a deep commitment to living what is in our hearts. And so I begin my year of song.

Earlier this year, I asked friends and family to share with me their favourite hymns. Sounds a bit odd in 2014, but I was looking for something that was filled with meaning. Something I could use as a guide through what I have called my hymn project.   I received many responses. More than I expected. What surprised me most was what people were willing to add to their selections – stories, memories, comments and analyses. Some just gave me a title and nothing more. Others gave me lists and said they could go on and on – and some did, replying more than once! At the end of it, I am in possession of a list that represents people from 5 to 85 years old. It also represents some who identify with the mainstream Christian Church, some who don’t, some who belong to less mainstream congregations, a couple of Atheists and several that are a little disillusioned and even a bit angry.   It’s a good group to work with. It is important to look at these hymns from various points of view. I am inspired by that diversity and the possibility that music can transcend the specifics of our beliefs and provide something we all need, wherever we may be.

So, what am I going to do with this list? Well, this past year I was given the task of reading Sir John Eliot Gardiner’s book Music in the Castle of Heaven about J.S. Bach’s life; particularly his time spent composing choral music. It was an interesting but long read! At one point, as I was reading about Bach’s first three years working in Leipzig, Germany, I mentioned to my husband Bryan that when a cantata was required for every Sunday, Bach simply wrote one – week after week. I marvelled at the amount of work and commitment it would take to do that. I lamented the fact that I doubted if I could even arrange a hymn a week for a year, never mind compose a whole cantata even once. Bryan said he thought maybe I could. And so, the hymn project was born. I’m not sure if I should thank either Bach or Bryan at this point, but let’s just say that for now, I have been inspired by one and encouraged by the other.

My plan is to arrange for piano one hymn every week for a year. I received more than a year’s worth so I’ve made choices – mostly old hymns (copyright issues with the few contemporary favourites I was given make those difficult to use in a public forum). I intend to record and post the music along with a comment or two about the hymn and why it was chosen (don’t expect top quality – I’m not much of a technical wizard!). I will share some of the stories I’ve been given, but will leave the sources private. I hope you find something in all of these songs – I know I will.

Stay tuned…