Music at WPC-
Sunday, July 13, 2025
Proper 10
​Voluntary: "Beside the Still Waters," Gwyneth Walker (b. 1947)
Offertory: "Thou Wilt Keep Him In Perfect Peace," Eric Thiman (1900-1975)
Voluntary: "Improvisation on 'Leoni,'" Nik Stackpole
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Hymns
Opening Hymn: 427- Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service BLAENHAFREN
Sequence Hymn: 425- Lord of Light, Your Name Outshining ABBOT'S LEIGH
Communion Hymn: 504- Draw Us In the Spirit's Tether UNION SEMINARY
Closing Hymn: 488- The God of Abraham Praise LEONI
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Next Week's Music at WPC:
Sunday, July 20- Nik Stackpole, Organ; Bob Carlyon, Organ; Ronnie Dailey, Voice
Prelude- About the Music
Gwyneth Walker’s Beside the Still Waters for organ is a contemplative and lyrical work that draws inspiration from Psalm 23, evoking a deep sense of peace and spiritual reassurance. Known for her expressive and accessible musical language, Walker crafts a flowing, meditative texture through sustained harmonies and gentle melodic contours. The piece unfolds with a quiet dignity, using subtle shifts in registration and dynamics to convey both intimacy and reverence.
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The text that the piece is set is as follows:
Beside the still waters,
I will lay my body down,
with breezes floating o'er me,
and a garland for my crown.
I will see the Light Eternal,
I will breathe the open air.
Beside the still waters,
O Lord, please lead me there.
Offertory- About the Composer
Eric Harding Thiman (September 12, 1900 – February 13, 1975) was an English composer, organist, conductor, and educator renowned for his extraordinary output and his deep commitment to non‑conformist church music. Although largely self‑taught, he earned his FRCO at just 21 and became the youngest ever Doctor of Music at London University by age 27. Thiman was remarkably prolific, publishing approximately 1,300 works spanning organ music, anthems, part‑songs, cantatas, hymns, piano pieces, and educational instruction. His compositions were especially tailored to the needs of amateur and non‑conformist church choirs, and his organ repertoire is characterized by well‑crafted miniatures, voluntaries, preludes and chorale settings equally suited to worship and accessible recitals. Though not a radical innovator, Thiman’s music is marked by melodic fluency, sincerity, impeccable craftsmanship, and a charming, approachable British‑heritage style.
Postlude- About the Music
The hymn tune LEONI is a traditional Hebrew melody best known for its association with the hymn “The God of Abraham Praise.” It was introduced to Christian hymnody in the 18th century by Thomas Olivers, a Methodist preacher who adapted the tune after hearing it sung in the Great Synagogue of London by cantor Meyer Lyon—whose anglicized name, “Leoni,” became the tune’s title. Characterized by its stately, flowing lines and strong modal flavor, LEONI retains a distinct sense of its Jewish musical heritage while serving as a dignified and stirring vehicle for Christian worship. Its robust and noble character makes it especially effective for texts that express themes of covenant, divine majesty, and enduring faith.