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‘Westminster Chimes’

Meandering Melodies


 

 

As it turns out my daddy had to set me straight about the tune Grandfather Clocks play! (Thanks, Dad!) Somehow I got two stories mixed up in my mind. I’m not quite sure how it happened.

I’m sure you already know the tune Grandfather Clocks play is called “Westminster Chimes” and was originally known as “Westminster Quarter.” Last week I said the tune was “Taps.” Dear me! The notes aren’t even the same!

You know me. . . this made me curious to learn more about “Westminster Chimes!”

“Westminster Chimes” was written in 1793 for a new clock in the University Church of St. Mary the Great located in Cambridge, England. It is unknown for sure who exactly composed it since the job was given to Reverend Dr. Joseph Jowet. He was likely assisted by Dr. John Randall, a Professor of Music, and his brilliant pupil, William Crotch.

“Westminster Chimes” is traditionally thought to be a set of variations on the four notes that make up the fifth and sixth bars of “I Know My Redeemer Liveth” from Handel’s “Messiah.” It contains five different sequences combining four pitches. Not all five are played at once: even at the full hour only the last four are used followed by the chimes used to tell the hour. The most popular sequence is the fourth one which sings mi, do, re, so and the fifth which sings so, re, mi, do.

Holsinger

Holsinger

In the mid-19th century, the chime was adopted by the clock tower at the Palace of Westminster where Big Ben hangs and this helped spread its fame.

There are words to this tune as well. The following words are printed on a plaque in the Big Ben clock room.

“All through this hour, Lord be my guide, and by Thy power, no foot shall slide.”

The conventional prayer is: O Lord our God, Be Thou our guide, That by thy help, No foot may slide.

An alternative prayer changes the third line: O Lord our God, Be Thou our guide, So by Thy power, No foot shall slide.

A variation of the same tune is prayed at the end of a Brownie Meeting in the UK and Canada:

Oh Lord our God, Thy children call, Grant us Thy peace, And bless us all, Amen.

Yankee Stadium plays the “Westminster Chimes” when a member of the New York Yankees scores a run. This tradition began at their original ballpark. Many football teams use the supporter chant inspired by the “Westminster Chimes.” It is used in doorbells and schools bells frequently. You will find it in many plays and movies as part of the theme music.

It impresses me how much God was honored and revered in the making of something that seems very simple. It appears that people in the past took some things very seriously! They put a lot of forethought into the littlest things and those little things have impacted history in big ways!!! I’ve listened to the “Westminster Chimes” for years and not once thought much about whether it had words or what, if any, significance there was in it other than knowing and recognizing the tune! It makes me want to continue discovering and learning things I don’t know!

Talking about do, mi, so and do, fa, so, la makes me remember something else I want to share with you. The Kelly Day Sacred Harp Memorial Singing is this Saturday in Camden at the old Maple Leaf Country Store at 2403 W. 300 N., Camden, 46917.

Singing starts at 10 a.m. Books are provided. There is a carry-in potluck lunch at noon followed by more singing until 3 p.m. I am very sad to miss it this year! I’ve heard from several folks who plan to come. It is a unique opportunity to participate in the tradition of a capella singing that originated in England and was popular in the south. The first Sacred Harp book was published in America in 1844.

Sacred Harp is known for dispersed harmony. Almost all written music is written with a strong melody line that is the lead voice. There are three other parts written to harmonize with the lead voice. With dispersed harmony each line is a tune unto itself. It is not written just to harmonize with the lead voice. The magic of Sacred Harp’s dispersed harmony is it’s a good cover-up for people who don’t know how to sing, or those who are learning to sing. It is good at “covering up” mistakes people make when they’re learning to sing. So there is no excuse! Not singing isn’t an option!!! LOL

Sacred Harp Singings are known for enthusiastic singers who sing quite loudly. Some would even venture to say they don’t sing, they yell!!! That doesn’t happen very often!

One thing you definitely want to do if you attend a Sacred Harp Singing is to lead a song. You will notice when you arrive that the chairs are set up in four sections facing each other. This forms a hollow square in the center. When someone leads a song they stand in this square! Before the singing begins they write down names of people who want to lead a song. Don’t let this intimidate you! They will help you and not expect you to lead a song by yourself. The center is where you get the fullness of all the voices joined in harmony at once! It is amazing to stand there amidst the onslaught of glorious harmony!!! It will be an unforgettable moment you will treasure forever.

Affirmation for today:

“Let every heart and voice sing songs of praise to our Redeemer!”

Link: bittersoutherner.com/sacred-harp-leteverybody sing

FYI: To order Meandering Melodies Books 1, 2, 3, & 4, call Susan at (765) 427-6296. Email: susan.holsinger@gmail.co m or write to her at 7690 W. 700 S., Rossville, IN 46065.