Twelve Hymn-Preludes (4. Jesus, lover of my soul)

The fourth prelude, (4. Martyn) has the "misfortune" of using the "inferior" tune of the two that are commonly used for this hymn. I think almost every one who knows this text automatically thinks of the superb melody by Joseph Parry, "Aberystwyth", instead of the weaker tune that Bingham used, "Martyn".

That being said, the tune is itself not bad, and Bingham gives it a sympathetic treatment.

The tune appears on the Solo Cor Anglais with tremulant, and has the feature of "alternating phrases" between the soprano and tenor octaves. The final phrase of the melody uses both octave together, done for ease, by adding the Sub coupler on the Solo.

The accompaniment, indicated to played on Choir Flutes 8'& 4'had to be played on similar stops on the Swell. THe harmonic treatment has some interest, and the pedal has a kind of "pizzicato effect" throughout the piece.

The work is dedicated to Horace M. Hollister, and I give the first verse of the text as follows:

Jesus, Lover of my soul,
Let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll,
While the tempest still is high:
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide,
Till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide;
O receive my soul at last!