Today we will commemorate Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem by singing songs and reading scripture (from all four gospels) that recall that event.
PRELUDE
Words and music by Jean-Baptiste Faure, translated by Theodore T. Barker.
“Fear not, daughter of Zion;
behold, your king is coming,
sitting on a donkey's colt!”
(to help you prepare to worship)
The Palms ("Les Rameaux")
Words and music by Jean-Baptiste Faure, translated by Theodore T. Barker.
John 12:12-19
The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,“Fear not, daughter of Zion;
behold, your king is coming,
sitting on a donkey's colt!”
His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”
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O'er all the way green palms and blossoms gay
Are strewn this day in festive preparation,
Where Jesus comes, to wipe our tears away,
E'en now the throng to welcome Him prepare.
Refrain:
Join all and sing His name declare,
Let ev'ry voice resound with acclamation,
Hosanna! Praised be the Lord!
Bless Him, who cometh to bring us salvation!
French operatic baritone and composer Jean-Baptiste Faure (1830-1914) was best known for his long tenure on the stages of European opera houses, particularly the Paris Opera. He also shared his expertise with voice students as a teacher at the Paris Conservatory and as the author of several books about vocal technique. Faure also enjoyed composing and created several important sacred vocal works including "Crucifixus" in 1873 and "Les Rameaux" (The Palms) in 1864. The latter was recorded by famed Italian tenor Enrico Caruso in 1913, a year before Faure's death at the dawn of WWI. "The Palms" depicts Christ's entry into Jerusalem and explains how Jesus came to "wipe our tears away" and to "bring us salvation," and how his sacrifice and resurrection grants believers "their freedom...from degradation."
On a personal note, "The Palms" was always played with great nobility as an organ prelude (or postlude) each Palm Sunday morning at the church I grew up attending. The gifted organist who shared this lovely music with our congregation, Janet Kaizer, became my church music mentor and teacher. She was a brilliant pianist, organist, and educator who generously and patiently trained me to become a church keyboardist. I think of her so often with tremendous gratitude, but especially remember her each year on Palm Sunday, as I reflect on the annual blessing of her glorious rendition of "The Palms." A few years ago I was able to find a solo piano version of this work and am pleased to share it here today on Notes of Glory, in loving memory of my dear teacher and friend, Janet Kaizer.
O'er all the way green palms and blossoms gay
Are strewn this day in festive preparation,
Where Jesus comes, to wipe our tears away,
E'en now the throng to welcome Him prepare.
Refrain:
Join all and sing His name declare,
Let ev'ry voice resound with acclamation,
Hosanna! Praised be the Lord!
Bless Him, who cometh to bring us salvation!
His word goes forth, and people by its might
Once more their freedom gain from degradation,
Humanity doth give to each his right,
While those in darkness find restored the light. [Refrain]
Sing and rejoice, O blest Jerusalem,
Of all thy sons sing the emancipation,
Thro’ boundless love, the Christ of Bethlehem
Brings faith the hope to thee forevermore. [Refrain]
Words by Theodulf of Orléans, translated by John Mason Neale. Music by Melchior Teschner
Revelation 5:11-12
All glory, laud, and honor
to you, Redeemer, King,
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
You are the King of Israel
and David's royal Son,
now in the Lord's name coming,
the King and Blessed One.
The company of angels
is praising you on high;
and we with all creation
in chorus make reply.
The people of the Hebrews
with palms before you went;
our praise and prayer and anthems
before you we present.
To you before your passion
they sang their hymns of praise;
to you, now high exalted,
our melody we raise.
As you received their praises,
accept the prayers we bring,
for you delight in goodness,
O good and gracious King!
Words by Jenette Threlfall, "Ellacombe" hymn tune (Gesangbuch der Herzogl, Hofkapelle, Würtemberg)
English writer and poet Jennette Threlfall (1821-1880) dealt with challenging circumstances throughout her life: she was orphaned at a young age, and became an invalid after two traumatic accidents. According to John Julian in the Dictionary of Hymnology (1907), "she bore her long slow sufferings brightly, and to the end retained a gentle, loving, sympathetic heart, and always a pleasant word and smile, forgetful of herself. Throughout she was a great reader, and at 'idle moments' threw off with ease her sacred poems and hymns." In 1873 a collection of her sacred and secular poems was published titled Sunshine and Shadow, which contained the poem "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna." In the book's preface, Threlfall stated, "the title of this volume has been chosen to illustrate the varied character of its contents. Some of the pieces have been written especially for children, others for those upon whom life's shadows have fallen. The author's wish for all is that they may possess that Sunshine which brings no shadow with it." In "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna" Threlfall depicts the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem and urges us to "ever praise him with heart and life and voice."
Hosanna, loud hosanna
the little children sang;
through pillared court and temple
the lovely anthem rang.
To Jesus, who had blessed them,
close folded to his breast,
the children sang their praises,
the simplest and the best.
From Olivet they followed
mid an exultant crowd,
the victory palm branch waving,
and chanting clear and loud.
The Lord of earth and heaven
rode on in lowly state,
nor scorned that little children
should on his bidding wait.
"Hosanna in the highest!"
That ancient song we sing,
for Christ is our Redeemer,
the Lord of heaven, our King.
O may we ever praise him
with heart and life and voice,
and in his blissful presence
eternally rejoice.
Ride On! Ride On in Majesty
Words by Henry Hart Milman. "Winchester New" hymn tune, edited by William Havergal
Mark 11:1-11
Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”
Once more their freedom gain from degradation,
Humanity doth give to each his right,
While those in darkness find restored the light. [Refrain]
Sing and rejoice, O blest Jerusalem,
Of all thy sons sing the emancipation,
Thro’ boundless love, the Christ of Bethlehem
Brings faith the hope to thee forevermore. [Refrain]
HYMNS FOR YOU TO SING ANYWHERE
(transposed to easily singable keys!)
All Glory, Laud and Honor
Words by Theodulf of Orléans, translated by John Mason Neale. Music by Melchior Teschner
Luke 19:28-38
And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”1 Timothy 1:17
To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 5:11-12
Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice,
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”
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Dating from c. 820, "All Glory, Laud and Honor" is another historic Christian hymn that still sounds fresh and dynamic each Palm Sunday when it makes an appearance in church services around the world. This text of this magnificent hymn of praise was written by Theodulf, Bishop of Orléans (c. 750/60-821) who was a writer, poet, and prominent theologian in the court of Charlemagne. Theodulf was also a reformer who encouraged the building of many public schools, but fell out of favor with Charlemagne's son Louis, was accused of treason, and was imprisoned in Angers, France. The bright, joyful hymn "All Glory, Laud and Honor" (originally "Gloria, laus et honor" in Latin) came out of this dark period in Theodulf's life: he wrote it while impisoned.
Theodulph's Latin hymn (originally 39 verses long!) was translated to Middle English by friar, poet, and scholar William Herebert. The first line in that version read: "Wele, herying and worshipe be to Christ that dere ous boughte,/ To wham gradden 'Osanna' children clene of thoughte." In 1851 renowned British translator John Mason Neale (1818-1866) created a modern English version which was included in Hymns Ancient and Modern in 1861. The tune that is most associated with "All Glory, Laud and Honor" was composed in 1613 by German cantor, composer and theologian Melchior Teschner (1584-1635). If this hymn is new to you, here's a recording from the King's College, Cambridge 2013 Easter service that will help you become familiar with the melody so that you can sing it yourself.
All glory, laud, and honor
to you, Redeemer, King,
to whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
You are the King of Israel
and David's royal Son,
now in the Lord's name coming,
the King and Blessed One.
The company of angels
is praising you on high;
and we with all creation
in chorus make reply.
The people of the Hebrews
with palms before you went;
our praise and prayer and anthems
before you we present.
To you before your passion
they sang their hymns of praise;
to you, now high exalted,
our melody we raise.
As you received their praises,
accept the prayers we bring,
for you delight in goodness,
O good and gracious King!
Hosanna, Loud Hosanna
Words by Jenette Threlfall, "Ellacombe" hymn tune (Gesangbuch der Herzogl, Hofkapelle, Würtemberg)
Matthew 19:13-15
Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went awayMatthew 21:1-11
Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
“Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”
The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”
Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
“Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”
The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”
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"Hosanna, Loud Hosanna" was first paired with the majestic German tune "Ellacombe" in the 1898 edition of the Scottish Church Hymnary. If this hymn is new to you, here's a recording featuring the Harry Simeone Chorale (with brass orchestra) that will help you to get a feel for the melody before giving this traditional Palm Sunday song a try with your own "set of pipes!"
Hosanna, loud hosanna
the little children sang;
through pillared court and temple
the lovely anthem rang.
To Jesus, who had blessed them,
close folded to his breast,
the children sang their praises,
the simplest and the best.
From Olivet they followed
mid an exultant crowd,
the victory palm branch waving,
and chanting clear and loud.
The Lord of earth and heaven
rode on in lowly state,
nor scorned that little children
should on his bidding wait.
"Hosanna in the highest!"
That ancient song we sing,
for Christ is our Redeemer,
the Lord of heaven, our King.
O may we ever praise him
with heart and life and voice,
and in his blissful presence
eternally rejoice.
Ride On! Ride On in Majesty
 |
| Jerusalem, Israel. Photo by Benjamin Grull |
Words by Henry Hart Milman. "Winchester New" hymn tune, edited by William Havergal
Mark 11:1-11
Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”
___________________________
While "All Glory, Laud and Honor" and "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna" are well-known Palm Sunday hymns, there is another hymn worth exploring which used to be a regular feature of many Palm Sunday services. "Ride On! Ride On in Majesty," still included in many hymnals, was composed in 1820 by British historian, poet and dramatist Henry Hart Milman (1791-1866). Milman had a brilliant academic career: he graduated from Eton College and Oxford University and later was appointed professor of poetry at Oxford. He also served as Rector of St Margaret's, Westminster, and Canon of Westminster, and in 1849 he became Dean of St Paul's Cathedral in London (Milman also wrote a history of St. Paul's Cathedral, and was buried there).
In 1827, English bishop and hymn writer Reginald Heber (1783-1826) included Milman's "Ride On! Ride On in Majesty" in his book Hymns Written and Adapted to the Weekly Church Service of the Year. (Heber wrote the hymns "Holy, Holy, Holy" "Brightest and Best" and many others). By 1897, according to the Dictionary of Hymnology, "Ride On!" was the most widely sung Palm Sunday hymn in the English language.
Carol A. Doran, in the The Hymnal 1982 Companion (as cited on Hymnology Archive) describes how Heny Milman expresses both the joy of the triumphant entry while also foreshadowing the events to come in the lyrics for "Ride On! Ride On in Majesty."
The sense that Jesus is riding into Jerusalem to face His last and most terrible ordeal is very strong: and our foreknowledge of what is going to happen gives a powerful and complex significance to the event itself. Milman exploits this brilliantly, especially in the third verse, where the angels, unable to alter the course of events, look on in wonder and sorrow.
"Ride On!" has been sung with many different tunes. Today we'll be singing it with "Winchester New," a melody that first appeared in a German hymnal in 1690. William Henry Havergal (1793-1870) (father of hymnwriter Frances Havergal, who authored "Take My Life and Let it Be") further arranged the melody into its current form, which appeared in his collection Old Church Psalmody in 1847.
If this hymn is new to you (and it very likely may be!), you may enjoy this recording/video showing the congregation and brass ensemble of St. Mary-Le-Tower Church in Ipswich, England singing "Ride On! Ride On in Majesty!" Listen if you'd like, then come on back here and give this classic hymn a try!
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
Hark! all the tribes hosanna cry;
O Savior meek, pursue your road
with palms and scattered garments strowed.
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die:
O Christ, your triumphs now begin
o'er captive death and conquered sin.
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
The winged squadrons of the sky
look down with sad and wond'ring eyes
to see th'approaching sacrifice.
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
Your last and fiercest strife is nigh;
the Father on his sapphire throne
expects his own anointed Son.
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die;
bow your meek head to mortal pain,
then take, O God, your pow'r and reign.
POSTLUDE
(to send you forth in joy!)
Along the King's Highway
Piano solo by Lani Smith
The title of this short piano work invites the listener to imagine the road to Jerusalem, and the music, set in a minor key, conveys a strong sense of purpose and rhythmic vitality but also has depth and complexity. Feel free to read any of the four gospel accounts of Christ's entry into Jerusalem, shared above, as you listen to "Along the King's Highway."
Here is a playlist featuring all the music from today's post.
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