The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #87750 Message #1643959
Posted By: Q (Frank Staplin)
08-Jan-06 - 12:05 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Add: Jesus Christ the Apple Tree
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Jesus Christ the Apple Tree
SharonA, perhaps a theological student can explain (not me!).
I found a rather pointless discussion which notes that the "words are peculiar, but then, the tune's a trifle odd, too" (The article is a little peculiar as well). Apple Tree
These verses perhaps are the basis of the hymn:
1. As the apple among the trees of the wood,
So is my Beloved (Jesus) among the sons.
I sat down under His shadow with great delight,
And his fruit was sweet to my taste.
He brought me to the banqueting house,
And His banner over me was love.
Song of Songs 2.3-4
2. The tree of life my soul has seen, etc.- continues with the words to "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree."
This from Tree of Life
The hymn seems to have intrigued arrangers, and several have set their own music to it.
The words are included in "The Hymns and Carols of Christmas," without comment. The Poston arrangement has also been sung by the San Francisco Bach Choir in a 'Sing We Nowell' concert. The Poston music, arr. Bradley Nelson, has been published by Glade Music, www.glademusic.com/appletree.htm, "suggested use: Christmas, general."
It has been set to music by Colin Mawby, who calls it a metaphorical text, his music incorporating use of the plainsong "Vexilla Regis" (Mel Bay Publications). Does anyone know this version?
Another setting has been made by J. J. Hutchings, an anthem for trebles, Portsmouth, England. Partial music score here: www.sibeliusmusic.com/cgi-bin/show_score.pl?scoreid=60333.
Its use in an Anglican service at the Ottawa Cathedral as a 'gradual' is shown here:
Order of Service