Tune Names and Meters

So, we've all seen or heard about the pioneer hymnals where they simply had the lyrics and a tune name to sing to. That fascinates many of us modern lay musicians who've learned music in a way that makes us dependent on the printed score.

Our "new" LDS hymnal (1985) (online version) includes an index of tune names and meters and suggestions on how to use them.

So, I had this idea yesterday.

What if for the anniversary of the printing of the first hymnal, or on the anniversary of the revelation of July 1830 (D&C Section 25) that commanded Emma Smith to compile a set of hymns, for a month we sang all the Sacrament Meeting congregational hymns to different tunes, just like we presume the pioneers did?

To do this, you'd have to do some planning and experimenting to find hymns of like meter that could be interchanged; the hymnal provides some guidance on this. Then, you'd need to talk briefly to the congregation to explain the history, the old practice as you understand it, and how that will be done in your own congregation.

For example, after you've picked the mix of lyrics, meters, and tune names, then you could print that in the bulletin each week like this:

"There Is a Green Hill Far Away" #192 to tune EMMALINE (#182)

(or some such listing)

Alternatively, you could decide to print the lyrics to the hymn in the bulletin, and simply refer to the tune name, mimicking a little more closely to how the pioneers may have been apt to sing the hymns.

Obviously, you'll want to be sure the organist and the conductor both are in sync and have run through this change beforehand. It's surprising how confusing this can be when you are not accustomed to changing tunes!