The Stories of Hymns

I have sung most of these hymns for years. Sometimes noticing the names, years, composers, but never thought about their history. This book by Fr. Rutler gives a lot of detail and history. I am enjoying reading, especially my favorites!

Having read most of Fr. Rutler's books, I know that he does not know how to write a bad book. In his list of 100 of the Christianity's greatest hymns, he provides information about the composer, sometimes with relevant theological insights. His dry wit is employed to make devastating albeit well deserved comments about contemporary church hymns. I also appreciated several informative asides to English history. Fr. Rutler's writing is simply elegant--terse sentences that infer far more than he explains. He seems to chat with his reader, which makes for a civilized evening. even

I wish this came with a CD! But, the music is written very simply so that even a poor piano player like myself can figure it out. The language is very lofty, which is not bad-- but just FYI for those of us who haven't gone to seminary and aren't up to speed on history-- we minnows can sometimes only nibble from the descriptions of the hymns.

Bought this for a clergy friend who loves traditional hymns. He loved it. The descriptions of each hymn are brief and concise, but very interesting.

Because I am interested in music and particularly hymns I found this book very interesting, especially since it contains (English-language) hymns I had never heard. Entries include not only a history of a given hymn but also its musical notes (treble clef, melody only). The author -- who hosts on EWTN a program about hymns -- certainly knows his subject. Books on the stories behind hymns are rare, and this book is a welcome one in the study of hymnody.

I do love Fr. George Rutler. He can tell a story like no one else. Wish I was more familiar with a number of the hymns he selected which made the reading of some of them a bit of a loss.

Rutler is a temendous gift to the faithful at large and especially to the Church of St Michael.

In a world where most hymns used at Mass are banal to say the least, this is good read. The Mass should be treated with dignity and reverence. Stop the guitar and piano and sing the great hymns that give glory to God.