Nicaea ("Holy, Holy, Holy - plus Full Hymn)

Here is another absolutely unique sounding piece by Calvin Hampton.

This one, based on THE John B. Dykes hymn-tune, "Nicaea" shows just how wonderfully creative and individualistic he could be.

Although the tune IS "stated" in the prelude, it is rather more "outlined" and "implied" than hammered out. It shimmers and floats and does NOT match the "type" of piece that we would generally associate with this tune and text - and THAT is what makes it so wonderful!!!

To me, it sounds like a ballet of angels or maybe just shimmers of light, floating in the gentle breezes of heavenly perfection...

It's beautiful...

The piece, comes from the same collection of "Eleven Organ Solos", published by Warner Bros. It is dated 1979.

I've stuck to the Hampton's directions: hymn melody played quietly before the prelude, than the prelude, and then directly into the full hymn, without further introduction.

Registrations use the Orchestral Oboe of the Solo for the "soft play over," the Swell Oboe, 4' & 2' Principals coupled to the Great 8' & 4' Flutes. The Pedal is an 8' flute coupled to the Swell.

The hymn is given the "full cathedral treatment."

I've included the ORIGINAL words in the first "response", so I expect everyone to sing along! ;-)