These selections by Dr. John Bernthal includes the hymn, Come, You Faithful Raise the Strain
followed by a partita on this hymn arranged by David M. Cherwien. A partita is simply a set of variations on a theme, in this case a hymn. What makes this partita interesting is that each variation was inspired by a given theme in each verse.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNqbZClVR7N79effukjjrHSAQxCK7uPY9
The first recording is the original hymn tune, to assist in recall for each variation. The
second recording includes variations 1 and 2 based on the themes in verses 1 and 2 of the hymn. Notice the first variation reflects Israel’s triumphant march out of slavery contrasted with the second variation reflecting the light and boundless joy of Christ’s Easter rising.
1. Come, you faithful, raise
the strain of triumphant gladness!
God has brought his Israel
into joy from sadness,
Loosed from Pharaoh’s bitter
yoke Jacob’s sons and daughters,
Led them with unmoistened foot
through the Red Sea waters.
2. This the spring of souls
today: Christ has burst his prison.
And from three days’ sleep in
death as a sun has risen;
All the winter of our sins,
long and dark, is flying
From his light, to whom is
given laud and praise undying.
The last recording includes the variations based
on verses 4 and 5 of the hymn. Variation 4 echoes the deep peace Christ brings to us. Variation 5 reflects Easter joy triumphant!
4. For today among his own
Christ appeared, bestowing
His deep peace, which evermore
passes human knowing.
Neither could the gates of
death, nor the tomb’s dark portal
Nor the watchers, nor the seal
hold Him as a mortal.
5. Alleluia! Now we cry to our
King immortal,
Who, triumphant, burst the
bars of the tomb’s dark portal.
Come, you faithful, raise the
strain of triumphant gladness!
God has brought his Israel
into joy from sadness!
David Cherwien is a nationally known organist, conductor, and
composer. His leadership with hymn festivals, workshops, and published works have influenced church music nationwide. He is currently the artistic director of the National Lutheran Choir, the cantor and Director of Music at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. This is also the church where Dr. Paul Manz (1919-2009) served for many years.
