The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #87750   Message #1645861
Posted By: Burke
10-Jan-06 - 06:48 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Add: Jesus Christ the Apple Tree
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Jesus Christ the Apple Tree
The midi file from Leenia reproduces the top line of Ingalls' setting. Masato's ABC is the middle line, but impossibly fast. Usually in the hymn settings of this period the middle line is considered the tune. For this one I'd flip a coin as both parts seem equally melodic. The top line mostly lies above the middle. The middle line actually has a much wider range, going both higher & lower than the top part: Middle C to High A vs F to G. Here's an instrumental version that plays it through almost twice.

Elastic Millennium Choir of Nova Scotia has recorded both versions on The Better Land. I have not heard this recording

According to the notes in "Northern Harmony" the text is by R.H. in London Spiritual Magazine 1761. Joshua Smith's "Divine Hymns" does seem to be Ingalls' immediate source.

Tune: 1st half same as 1st half of "Quick March" in The Pantomime of Oscar and Malvina opera, printed in The Musical Repertory, 1796; 2nd half variation of same popular instrumental piece. David Klock's dissertation of 1978 was the source for at least some of this information. Is he the editor of the facsimile as well?

From what I can find in WorldCat "Oscar and Malvina" was published in England by 1791. Music composed by William Reeve and William Shield.

"Christian Harmony" has been published in shape notes recently. I'll try to check it for any additional info when I get home.