Mailbag: “Horatio the Hymnodist…”

April 29, 2013

Dear Michael,

I enjoyed your program about Horatio Parker. The name rang a bell, and checking the Hymnal 1940 Companion (some Anglican branches, including the one I belong to, still use the old Hymnal 1940), I see that he wrote some energetic hymns. "Rejoice, the Lord is King" will wake you right up on a Sunday morning, and even "The royal banners forward go" moves along. It seems, unexpectedly, that he also wrote two operas and an oratorio.

Your program airs in this area on Sunday evenings at WMHT, and we get the whole two hours! I mention it as a favorite when I send in my pledge money. May you have the stamina to keep it going for a long time.

Linda Delfs

Linda,

Thanks for the kind note.  I'm glad that Horatio Parker's music stirred you imagination…quite a figure on the scene at the turn of the previous century, but largely forgotten except by church musicians these days.  His opera "Mona" was presented at the Metropolitan Opera!

You are lucky to hear both broadcast hours…many stations elect to air only the first.  Your support of WMHT (and 'favorite mention' when you renew) is important!  

And I appreciate your wish for my continued stamina!  I do hope to continue on for some time to come…  :-)

Happy Listening!

JMB

 

 

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