Saturday, February 7, 2009

Episcopalian Meets Methodists (Sunday Music)

My years singing in a Methodist choir were full of musical surprises, for both me and the Methodists. I still remember how amused and amazed they were to learn I had never sung The Old Rugged Cross, and that it was completely unfamiliar to me in every way.

Here is a beautiful choral arrangement of that classic hymn - it has quite the Anglican flair, I think! Yet as I listen, I can tell this 65-voice choir is Methodist, and that they sing together every week as members of a very special family. Yea, they make a joyful noise unto the Lord.

The Old Rugged Cross, by Rev. George Bennard; arrangement by Tom Jordan, as performed by the Cathedral Choir, Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church, Cincinnati, Ohio.