The Stories of Hymns

L. Hooks said Fr. Geo. Rutler writes another wonderful book. I have sung most of these hymns for years. Sometimes noticing the names, years, composers, but never thought about their history. This book by Fr. Rutler gives a lot of detail and history. I am enjoying reading, especially my favorites!. EvanstonIrish said Interesting and informative.. Bought this for a clergy friend who loves traditional hymns. He loved it. The descriptions of each hymn are brief and concise, but very interesting.. Must read for Pastors In a world where most hymns used at Mass are banal to say the least, this is good read. The Mass should be treated with dignity and reverence. Stop the guitar and piano and sing the great hymns that give glory to God.

Father Rutler here considers nearly 100 hymns of fine artistic and theological quality, giving interesting information about the texts, the music, and the composers. Indispensable to every library. As usual, Father Rutler not only entertains, but instructs. Rutler proposes to enrich both the selection and the understanding of an ancient form that still has a great deal of life in it. William F. Buckley, Jr. --Personal Endorsements . Robert ReillyMusic Critic This is a classy book with the hymns and the marvelous scholarly annotations by the inimitable Father Rutler. Msgr. With hymns assuming so large a role in today s worship, Fr. Richard SchulerFormer Editor, Sacred Music
Hymns are more than beautiful musical compositions; they provide us with a heightened language for praising and speaking to God, all while teaching us theology that reflects both the depth and complexity of Our Lord.Sacred hymns in our day have given way to fifth-rate poetry set to fourth-rate music, as C.S. The text and composition of each hymn is included, as well as inspiring accounts of their authors and composers, fascinating stories and historical events connected with them, and notes on the significant contributions each one made to theology and music.Fr. George William Rutler introduces and reflects upon dozens of the greatest hymns written from the earliest years of the Church through the Twentieth Century. At times, the music used in worship can make us feel as though the culture is usurping the Church rather than being transfigured by it. There is a clear and present need to resurrect those distinctively different songs with a distinctively different vocabulary for people who want to live distinctive lives as followers of Christ.In these pages, Fr. Lewis once remarked. Rutler has recovered here a rich musical legacy that will help us to give glory to our God who is Lord of all.