Musical contribution - March 2016

Meditation: “When I survey the wondrous cross” (Jan Peter Teeuw) (1987)

This month we’re highlighting the internationally acclaimed melody “When I survey the wondrous cross”. We are currently in the period leading up to Easter (known as the 40 days of Lent), a time when it is always lovely to play or learn a song that is entirely appropriate to this time in the ecclesiastical year.

We commissioned the young organist in the Singelkerk in the Dutch town of Ridderkerk – Jan Peter Teeuw – to write something special for you. You can visit his website to explore his further musical endeavours.

After a calm 16-bar introduction, we hear the entire melody in a leading stop. It is followed by an 16-bar section related to the introduction, ending in the dominant third of D major. Then we hear the melody in B-flat major joined with another famous melody: “Jesus, life of my life”. The melody – normally in 4/4 timing – is entirely at home in the new time signature and appears to blend effortlessly with the first song.

The sound recording was made on the new LiVE organ from Johannus. The sample set used here is from the Domkerk in Utrecht.

During the introduction I used the set 8,8,4 with the Touzyn of the swell as the leading stop. Starting from the modulation to B flat, you hear a principal 8 leading.

We hope you’ll enjoy this new offering and wish you a very happy Easter.

Musical regards,

André van Vliet