VINEYARD HAVEN

Composer: Richard Dirksen

Richard Dirksen (PHH 148) composed VINEYARD HAVEN in 1974 for the text "Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart" as a processional choral anthem for the installation of Presiding Bishop John Maury Allin at the Washington (D.C.) Cathedral, also known as the National Cathedral. The anthem includes various harmonizations for different stanzas and is scored for choir and organ with optional brass and timpani accompaniment. VINEYARD HAVEN was first published as a hymn tune in Ecumenical Praise (1977). Dirksen wrote that the quality of rejoicing was intended to foreshadow the raising of "such 'Hosannas' forever in [God's] presence and with the company of heaven in the life eternal." The tune is named after the town on the island of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, where the Very Reverend Francis B. Sayre, Jr., who was then Dean of Washington Cathedral, had his permanent home.

Erik Routley (PHH 31) once stated that it is "safe to call [VINEYARD HAVEN] one of the greatest twentieth-century hymn tunes." After related phrases rise sequentially in pitch, the tune reaches its peak in the "hosanna" refrain and at that point exhibits the melodic and harmonic surprises which, though initially difficult for a congregation, endear this tune to many Christians today. VINEYARD HAVEN requires full, bright organ registration. Sing this majestic tune in unison. To capture the question-and-answer character of the psalm text, the choir or part of the congregation may sing the question in the first line of stanzas 2 and 4, and everyone can sing the responses.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook, 1988

Timeline

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