18 Hymn Tunes
a. What is a good tune? b. Importance of tunes. c. Composers of tunes. d. Sources of tunes. e. Tune names.
A. What Is a Good Tune?
The quality of a tune must be judged by its definite and restricted use. It is to be sung by a congregation of people, the majority of whom have had only limited musical training, and without benefit of rehearsal. The tune must therefore be judged by such questions as these: Is it singable? Are the parts within easy pitch range of the voices? Is it free from difficult intervals or modulations into other keys? Is it interesting? Does it create a worshipful atmosphere? Does the mood of the tune fit the mood and thought of the words?