For All the Saints
As we come to this time of the year when we remember those who have come before us, those saints who now rest from their labors, two great hymns (both text and tune) touch our hearts—-For All the Saints, Who From Their Labors Rest (287) and Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones (618). Ralph Vaughan Williams composed the music For All the Saints in 1925 and called it Sine Nomine—“without a name”, possibly a reference to the many saints whose names are known only to God. Without question, this is one of the finest hymn tunes composed in the 20th century. It was originally an 11 verse poem, but 3 verses were omitted in hymnals to bring it down to a singable 8 verses. It is a marvelous hymn, both tune and text!
My other favorite—Ye Watchers and Ye Holy ones, reflects the author’s (Athelstan Riley) interest in the Eastern Church. Verse 2 is a paraphrase of the Theotokion—“Hymn to the Mother of God”, sung in the early Greek Church. The music for this hymn was arranged from a 16th century tune by, again, that great English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. The first stanza addresses the traditional nine choirs of angels—Seraphs, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Princedoms, Powers, Virtues, Archangels, and Angels’ Choirs. As many times as I have sung this hymn, I never realized that. Nor did I realize that verse 2 exults the Virgin Mary—the “Bearer of the Eternal Word”. Verse 3 urges the faithful departed to join in praising God—Patriarchs, Prophets, Martyrs, and Saints. The fourth stanza invites the congregation to join in praise with all the others. Therefore this hymn addresses the traditional Three States of the Church—The Church Triumphant, The Church Expectant, and The Church Militant, combined together in the communion of all the saints. On All Saints Day, let us sing and remember.
Lynn H. Gardner
Organist/Choirmaster
