Hymn Tune - Performance

Performance

Typically, worship services in churches and synagogues include hymns which are sung by the congregation, accompanied by organ, or piano, and/or sometimes by guitars or other instruments. Details of performance vary depending on the designated style of the service, or by the hymns themselves. Some hymns specify unison singing, and other hymns are sung in parts (usually soprano, alto, tenor, bass). It is common practice for a congregation to sing all the hymns in unison, but in some traditions part singing is encouraged.

Sometimes, especially on longer texts, variety in the performance is introduced. Varied performance practices may include:

• varied harmonization for a stanza
• descant added by sopranos, above the melody
• "Fauxbourdon" with the melody sung by tenors, and the harmonies sung by the other parts
• a modulation (usually for the last stanza) into the next higher key

Other possibilities for varied performance can be invited through explanation either in the service bulletin or through verbal instruction by the pastor or the minister of music. Combining some or all of these and can add interest to singing while enhancing the sense of the text. For example:

• a stanza sung only by the choir
• a stanza sung only by the congregation
• a stanza sung only by men
• a stanza sung only by women
• a stanza sung only by the left half of the sanctuary
• a stanza sung only by the right half of the sanctuary, etc.

Some hymn tunes lend themselves to being sung in canon.