Holy, Holy, Holy: The KJB and Hymns Based on the Book of Revelation

Cynthia B. Ramsey, Lynchburg College

Dr. Cynthia Ramsey is Associate Professor of Music, Chair of the Music Department, and Director of Keyboard Studies atLynchburg College where she also coordinates the Class Piano Program, teaches elementary and secondary music education courses, and music history. Additionally, she is the organist and handbell director at First Christian Church in Lynchburg.

Abstract

In 1603, James VI of Scotland ascended to the throne of England as King James I (r. 1603-1625), where one of his first acts became the sponsorship of a new translation of the Bible. Seven years later, a committee of bishops gave final approval and the new Bible became known by several titles: 1) the King James Bible; 2) the "Authorized Version" because its use in the Anglican Church; and 3) the "English Bible" because of its importance in all English-speaking countries.

The King James Bible is one of the most influential books in history, responsible for spreading Protestant Christianity (including Anglicanism), to America, India, Africa, Australia, and other parts of the world. This bible inspired numerous composers as the ‘Authorized Version’ influenced music of the church during the past 400 years. With the help of writers and musicians, the King James translation can be found in madrigals, hymn tunes, operas, and oratorios as well as contemporary folk and hip-hop music.

When it comes to hymnody, writers often refer to and draw from the Bible for their texts. Since the earliest times, Christians have sung the songs of Revelation in their communion liturgy and hymns. Poets such as Isaac Watts (1707), Edward Perronet (1779), Reginald Heber (1826), and Matthew Brigdes (1851) were influenced by the Anglican Church and teamed with composers to produced many of the most sung hymns in Christendom; including All Hail the Power of Jesus Name; Holy, Holy, Holy; Crown Him with Many Crowns; Jesus Shall Reign, and Shall We Gather at the River. Second only to the book of Psalms, the Book of Revelation has served as a source for over one hundred hymns of praise and worship during the last 400 years.

 
Oct 1st, 10:45 AM Oct 1st, 12:00 PM

Holy, Holy, Holy: The KJB and Hymns Based on the Book of Revelation

Room A

In 1603, James VI of Scotland ascended to the throne of England as King James I (r. 1603-1625), where one of his first acts became the sponsorship of a new translation of the Bible. Seven years later, a committee of bishops gave final approval and the new Bible became known by several titles: 1) the King James Bible; 2) the "Authorized Version" because its use in the Anglican Church; and 3) the "English Bible" because of its importance in all English-speaking countries.

The King James Bible is one of the most influential books in history, responsible for spreading Protestant Christianity (including Anglicanism), to America, India, Africa, Australia, and other parts of the world. This bible inspired numerous composers as the ‘Authorized Version’ influenced music of the church during the past 400 years. With the help of writers and musicians, the King James translation can be found in madrigals, hymn tunes, operas, and oratorios as well as contemporary folk and hip-hop music.

When it comes to hymnody, writers often refer to and draw from the Bible for their texts. Since the earliest times, Christians have sung the songs of Revelation in their communion liturgy and hymns. Poets such as Isaac Watts (1707), Edward Perronet (1779), Reginald Heber (1826), and Matthew Brigdes (1851) were influenced by the Anglican Church and teamed with composers to produced many of the most sung hymns in Christendom; including All Hail the Power of Jesus Name; Holy, Holy, Holy; Crown Him with Many Crowns; Jesus Shall Reign, and Shall We Gather at the River. Second only to the book of Psalms, the Book of Revelation has served as a source for over one hundred hymns of praise and worship during the last 400 years.