The Old Hundreth (Three Psalm Tune Postludes, No. 3)

Harvey Grace (1874–1944) was an English organist and music writer. He was a chorister at Romsey Abbey, studied under Madeley Richardson at Southwark Cathedral, and became Organist of St. Mary Magdelene, Munster Square, London. He was editor of The Musical Times and a noted author and adjudicator. He was Organist and Master of the Choristers at Chichester Cathedral from 1931 until 1937. His years at Chichester coincided with a new awareness of liturgical solemnity; plainsong was used regularly at some of the weekday services from May 1936. Grace was appointed Commissioner of the School of English Church Music in 1937, and resigned at the end of the year. He joined the staff of Trinity College of Music in 1939, and also acted as Organist of East Grinstead Parish Church during World War II.

The "Three Psalm Tune Postludes" were published by Novello (date not given), and probably date from his Chichester years. The three works are dedicated to Geoffrey Shaw (1879-1943), and take old English psalm tunes for their musical themes. The third piece uses the widely famous tune, "Old Hundredth" for its foundation. The text usually associated with the melody, "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow" is sung COUNTLESS times each week in churches of all denominations and in all countries.

The text, while "general" in nature, is often seen to be particularly appropriate for the season of the Epiphany, which begins on January 6th.

The form of the work features an improvisatory "free toccata," that is interspersed with more "chordal" passages, and all of this building up to a grand climax.

The music shows Grace's distinct "style and approach," and would be welcomed as a recital work or as a festive church postlude.

The score is attached below.