Comments on: The Best Chord in the LDS Hymnal

By: Geoff J

Geoff J — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 04:01:06 +0000

Really Jay? Which chords in the hymnal would you say “punish the musical sensitivities of children and old ladies”?

By: Jay Williams

Jay Williams — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:02:05 +0000

Sigh, I used to focus on the chords as well, back in Theory II courses. OK, It feels kind of cool to be able to analyze the chord progressions, but really the chorale’s a bust without a great hymn tune and an interesting, complimentary bass line. The chords grow out of that, and while they add interest and show tremendous skill in the hands of a master, these “Tricky Dick” oddball chords (in the hands of your average tinkerer) more often than not only draw gaudy attention to themselves and punish the musical sensitivities of children and old ladies.

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 07:34:57 +0000

Something like that. I think that when there are two secondal clusters the chord’s really asking you not to do traditional analysis. But I’d call it Ab5 sus9 sus11. TWO suspensions are resolved in the next chord.

By: Geoff J

Geoff J — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 07:06:14 +0000

Good call on #169 Matt. Some nice chords and movement in that one.

I like the first chord in the second full measure of the third stanza (The “last” of “lasting grace”). What is that chord? An Ab sus9?

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 06:24:01 +0000

No one's mentioned #169 (As now we take the sacrament)? The first chord of the third measure is wonderful. Along with the entire measure. Technically it's a Bb7, but since the Ab anchors the whole measure, the chord defies ordinary tertian-ing. The measure gives an entire parallel triad and delicious secondal rub. What more do you want?

By: Bill

Bill — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:32:09 +0000

My favorite hymn–”In Humility, Our Savior”–Hymn #172. My favorite chord is on the third line “Let me not” – the notes from the bottom up, D A F# and C and the chords leading to those always touch me as I sing or play this sacrament hymn.

By: Mark B.

Mark B. — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:48:06 +0000

Holy Cow! I thought I had wandered into the Bridge column in the Sunday times with everything in a foreign tongue. I’ll leave all the theory to you theorists, and go back to my violin, which only plays one note at a time, mostly, and forget the chords.

Only one problem with Press Forward, Saints: never in the history of the world have I ever been able to sing the second note of the first or third lines–the tenors are supposed to sing a D while the sopranos sing a C, a seventh up. And we’re supposed to get there from the A where we started so confidently just two beats earlier. Fuhgettaboutit. Not gonna happen.

As to 132, just crank up the volume, Researcher. It’ll cover a multitude of sins. And, is it really that hard to resolve to the major chord at the end of That Easter Morn? (I do remember an old Bill Cosby stand-up routine, where he was talking about singing in church, and how the word in one hymn was changed from “forevermore” to “forevernow” and he almost broke his neck. So, maybe it is a problem.)

By: Ry Guy

Ry Guy — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:47:13 +0000

I’m surprised no one mentioned the IV7 on “love” in Our Savior’s Love. Most magnificently uderstated use of an unnecessary and unexpected 7th. Superb.

By: Matt W.'s wife

Matt W.'s wife — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 03:21:01 +0000

You like it because it’s a straightforward minor key with good voice leading, and pretty predictable harmonies. (you generally like music like that) The text probably also adds to your overall feeling about the hymn. The range is not too high, which makes it easy to sing in any voice part, which you also enjoy doing. The minor key makes it different enough for you, but it’s still just simple and easily digestable harmonically. That is my best musical psycho-analysis. Love ya Dad.

By: mondo cool

mondo cool — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:06:02 +0000

I don’t know a Dominant (V) in Eb major from a parallel fifth; but I know what I like. So, y’all can consider #162, “Lord, We Come Before Thee Now.”

Somebody tell me why I like it, please.