Kathy Pluth has graciously agreed to the setting of her eloquent pro-life hymn text At the Dawning of Creation to my harmonized hymn tune CORDE NATUS (87. 87. D). This hymn tune of mine was originally composed for Of the Father's Love Begotten and included a descant for the final stanza, but the traditional DIVINUM MYSTERIUM tune for this hymn seems destined to preclude CORDE NATUS ever gaining much traction as an alternative. From the moment I first read Kathy's striking text, I felt that it and my hymn tune would be a good pairing.
For this new setting, I have composed a second descant. This new descant may be used for stanzas 2 and 6, and the original descant may be used for stanzas 4 and 7. Then both descants may be used simultaneously for the final stanza. The two descants will be found on pages 3 and 4 of the enclosed PDF file. Shortly, I will post at CPDL this hymn and a synthesized MP3 recording that includes these two descants. As an aside, those who attended this year's Colloquium XXI might remember that similar "double descants" of mine for Come down, O Love Divine were used in the recessional hymn at the first Mass.
At this time when we recall the tenth anniversary of the insane loss of life of September 11, 2001, it is also important for us to remain aware of and to be ever vigilant for the tragic loss of life of countless unborn children. Take Kathy's words to heart ... and if my tune helps this cause in some small way, then I will be forever grateful.
Edit: Corrected PDF uploaded now
For this new setting, I have composed a second descant. This new descant may be used for stanzas 2 and 6, and the original descant may be used for stanzas 4 and 7. Then both descants may be used simultaneously for the final stanza. The two descants will be found on pages 3 and 4 of the enclosed PDF file. Shortly, I will post at CPDL this hymn and a synthesized MP3 recording that includes these two descants. As an aside, those who attended this year's Colloquium XXI might remember that similar "double descants" of mine for Come down, O Love Divine were used in the recessional hymn at the first Mass.
At this time when we recall the tenth anniversary of the insane loss of life of September 11, 2001, it is also important for us to remain aware of and to be ever vigilant for the tragic loss of life of countless unborn children. Take Kathy's words to heart ... and if my tune helps this cause in some small way, then I will be forever grateful.
Edit: Corrected PDF uploaded now