Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether (1945) is a beautiful and traditional anthem by Harold W. Friedell (1905-1958). This Sunday, our Cathedral Choir returns from summer break, and this will be our offertory anthem. Friedell was an American organist and composer. Serving churches in and around New York City, his largest job was as organist/choirmaster of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church on Park Avenue. Friedell was also on the faculty of Union Theological Seminary in the School of Music and was greatly respected in the national and international musical community. His wife, Amy, a soprano, was also a notable musician. Sunday’s anthem, Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether, is only one of many works by Friedell, but it is certainly his most popular selling 20,000 copies in a given year. The tune also appears in many hymnals as the hymn tune, Union Seminary. The text, by Percy Dreamer (1867-1936), speaks of Christian unity with a special emphasis on Holy Communion. Friedell’s musical treatment of the text expounds upon it well. As with most good composers, the music serves the meaning behind the text, and one has a clear sense of tone painting in the soaring “alleluias” at the end of each verse. The text by itself is beautiful, and I’ve included the second verse below. As we begin our new Music Season, what could be more appropriate than reflecting on our connection to Jesus’ first disciples?
“As the brethren used to gather In the name of Christ to sup,
Then with thanks to God the Father Break the bread and bless the cup,
Alleluia! Alleluia! So knit thou our friendship up.”
Our choir has worked hard over the summer due to the Bishop’s Consecration and related events, but we are ready to have a great 2015/16 Music Season! Soon, you will receive a booklet in the mail listing our various concerts and special services for the coming year. Also, please consider if you or someone you know would be interested in joining the choir. It’s the beginning of the season, so now is the perfect time to join! Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 6:30 P. M. in the Huger House. Our Handbell Choir rehearses Wednesdays from 5:30 P. M. until 6:15 P. M. upstairs in the Huger House. We would love for you to join us. Come talk to me on Sunday after the service or speak with one of our choir members if you would like to be a part of our Music Ministry.
“As the brethren used to gather In the name of Christ to sup,
Then with thanks to God the Father Break the bread and bless the cup,
Alleluia! Alleluia! So knit thou our friendship up.”
Our choir has worked hard over the summer due to the Bishop’s Consecration and related events, but we are ready to have a great 2015/16 Music Season! Soon, you will receive a booklet in the mail listing our various concerts and special services for the coming year. Also, please consider if you or someone you know would be interested in joining the choir. It’s the beginning of the season, so now is the perfect time to join! Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 6:30 P. M. in the Huger House. Our Handbell Choir rehearses Wednesdays from 5:30 P. M. until 6:15 P. M. upstairs in the Huger House. We would love for you to join us. Come talk to me on Sunday after the service or speak with one of our choir members if you would like to be a part of our Music Ministry.
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