GREENLAND (Haydn)

Composer (attr.): Michael Haydn

GREENLAND, an example of the popular nineteenth-century practice of creating hymn tunes from the works of classical composers, is thought to be originally from one of J. Michael Haydn's (PHH 67) "Deutschen Kirchen Messen." The tune acquired its title from its occasional association with the text "From Greenland's Icy Mountains" by Reginald Heber (PHH 249).

The harmonization is from Benjamin Jacob's National Psalmody (1819). Jacob (b. London, England, 1778; d. London, 1829) became the organist of Salem Chapel in Soho, London, at age ten. Known as one of the best organists of his day, he was also active as a pianist and conductor. He included his own tunes and harmonizations as well as those of others in the 1819 hymnbook he compiled.

GREENLAND has a large range, strong high points, and a rising "rocket" figure at the beginning of the fourth line. It is well suited to choral harmony with brass accompaniment. Because the first two stanzas are sung by believers to believers, the congregation could divide as follows: women on stanza 1; men on stanza 2; all on stanza 3. Sing the hymn with a great sense of rejoicing, but note the change (st. 2-3) to a sense of hopeful expectation that Christ will soon return.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Page Scans

Psalter Hymnal (Gray) (1987), p.431