Tuesday 30 November 2010

Then Sings My Soul - Robert J Morgan

Then Sings My Soul (special edition) by Robert J Morgan is a collection of 150 hymns that run across the Christian calendar - from Christmas and Easter to all those times in between when devotional songs are used.

Morgan explains the history behind each hymn - the inspiration, the moments in the writers/composers life that cause them to create a hymn that would become recognised the world over.

This is a wonderfully written book. Each 'story' is accompanied by 'sheet' music, so those with musical talents can play the melodies written for the words.

I found this book an enjoyable read, but it is one that you could definitely dip in and out of; to find out the history behind a favourite hymn. A lot of the writers inspirations came from their own struggles, loss of loved ones as well as wanting to make Psalms and sermons preached make more sense. For example, 'All Things Bright and Beautiful' by Mrs Cecil F Alexander took form because she saw how her godson was struggling to understand the Apostles' Creed (pg 124-125). Who would have thought that a desire to make her godson understand this Creed would become a children's favourite. I certainly loved singing this 'classic' hymn at the top of my lungs when I was younger!

The book is beautifully bound which adds to this sometimes nostalgic look at how hymns came about. And because Morgan provides the words as well as the notes to these hymns, I found myself singing quite a few times. A definite read for anyone who, not just attends church but just loves music and are intrigued to learn the inspiration behind some well loved hymns.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Booksneeze.com. I am not required to give a positive review and the opinions expressed here are my own.

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