Overview

Strength and Tenderness is a collection of hymns and poems in several genres which range in style from 'traditional' four-part harmony and jazz-inflected songs through to hymn-anthems. Some consist of new words to well-loved tunes, others of new music to well-loved words, but most have both words and music by the author. Appropriately expressive in character, these deeply felt hymns touch many aspects of Christian faith and experience, and have been warmly appreciated by many who have sung various of the pieces.

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9781838428969

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This is an exciting collection that will not only enrich the musical life of a worshipping community but also their theological understanding... The inclusion of the stories behind the pieces is refreshing - restoring the connection between hymnody and the ordinary lives of those seeking a Christian way in a complex world. Rev June Boyce-Tillman, MBE, Professor Emerita of Applied Music, Winchester University. When I first met Doug in the 1970's I was really inspired by his energy and his ability to engage through his music in such an open and honest way. In this mighty collection it is clear that he loves music and loves words, but perhaps most of all, he loves people. He is a wonderful, natural communicator whose work shines with warmth and integrity and he has the ability to say something very profound often through disarmingly simple means, which is a great gift. Bob Chilcott, Composer, Principal Guest Conductor BBC Singers I have been moved and challenged by Doug's words and music for the past five decades. Singing his songs with others has drawn us together, inspired by his loving, believing take on life. They are unique and this collection is a treasure store. Elizabeth Hume, Teacher Within this extraordinary collection of hymns, of words and ... wonderfully original musical arrangements, chord progressions and melodies, you will find yourself reading, then singing, truly beautiful, insightful and prophetic words - hymns that will, perhaps, challenge your whole experience of congregational expression and proclamation. Adrian Snell, Composer, Recording Artist, Music Therapist The hymns and poems in this book ... are strong, line by line, in rhythm and form, and tender in their recognition of human weakness and their faith... Many are admirably suited to public worship, and would make fine additions to any hymnal. J.Richard Watson, Professor Emeritus of English Literature, Durham University, author of The English Hymn (Oxford 1999 Doug Constable's hymn-writing has come out of the encounter between an unusually fresh imagination and a series of very specific pastoral contexts; and this means that it is exploratory, genuinely celebratory, challenging, and mercifully free of cliche - both traditional and contemporary cliche. These are humane, candid compositions, and they will be a real gift to all who are looking for words and music that are neither frozen in inherited attitudes nor labouring for an emotional quick fix. I hope they will be welcomed, used and loved. Rowan Williams, Archbishop Emeritus, Honorary President of The Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland). Doug Constable's fine volume 'Strength and Tenderness' is the product of a fine mind and a deeply felt Christian sensibility- as anyone who has experienced his dignified, sincere and dedicated ministry can attest. This is a substantial volume of hymns, songs and poems that reflect several sides of his musical and literary talents and all underlined by a fundimentally decent and devout Christianity. The musical settings reflect or embrace many styles and varied harmonies from the simplicity of (say) the Teilo Magnificat to often jazz tinged piquant harmony and the neo -organum like Morley. Similarly the poems and hymns reflect a life long meditation on the Christian faith in all its magnificent variety. This is a valuable addition to the repertoire of Christian music and literature - one that will make the individual think as well as praise and contemplate. Dr.Lyn Davies

"""This is an exciting collection that will not only enrich the musical life of a worshipping community but also their theological understanding... The inclusion of the stories behind the pieces is refreshing - restoring the connection between hymnody and the ordinary lives of those seeking a Christian way in a complex world."" Rev June Boyce-Tillman, MBE, Professor Emerita of Applied Music, Winchester University. ""When I first met Doug in the 1970's I was really inspired by his energy and his ability to engage through his music in such an open and honest way. In this mighty collection it is clear that he loves music and loves words, but perhaps most of all, he loves people. He is a wonderful, natural communicator whose work shines with warmth and integrity and he has the ability to say something very profound often through disarmingly simple means, which is a great gift."" Bob Chilcott, Composer, Principal Guest Conductor BBC Singers ""I have been moved and challenged by Doug's words and music for the past five decades. Singing his songs with others has drawn us together, inspired by his loving, believing take on life. They are unique and this collection is a treasure store."" Elizabeth Hume, Teacher ""Within this extraordinary collection of hymns, of words and ... wonderfully original musical arrangements, chord progressions and melodies, you will find yourself reading, then singing, truly beautiful, insightful and prophetic words - hymns that will, perhaps, challenge your whole experience of congregational expression and proclamation."" Adrian Snell, Composer, Recording Artist, Music Therapist ""The hymns and poems in this book ... are strong, line by line, in rhythm and form, and tender in their recognition of human weakness and their faith... Many are admirably suited to public worship, and would make fine additions to any hymnal."" J.Richard Watson, Professor Emeritus of English Literature, Durham University, author of The English Hymn (Oxford 1999 ""Doug Constable's hymn-writing has come out of the encounter between an unusually fresh imagination and a series of very specific pastoral contexts; and this means that it is exploratory, genuinely celebratory, challenging, and mercifully free of cliche - both traditional and contemporary cliche. These are humane, candid compositions, and they will be a real gift to all who are looking for words and music that are neither frozen in inherited attitudes nor labouring for an emotional quick fix. I hope they will be welcomed, used and loved."" Rowan Williams, Archbishop Emeritus, Honorary President of The Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland). Doug Constable's fine volume 'Strength and Tenderness' is the product of a fine mind and a deeply felt Christian sensibility- as anyone who has experienced his dignified, sincere and dedicated ministry can attest. This is a substantial volume of hymns, songs and poems that reflect several sides of his musical and literary talents and all underlined by a fundimentally decent and devout Christianity. The musical settings reflect or embrace many styles and varied harmonies from the simplicity of (say) the Teilo Magnificat to often jazz tinged piquant harmony and the neo -organum like Morley. Similarly the poems and hymns reflect a life long meditation on the Christian faith in all its magnificent variety. This is a valuable addition to the repertoire of Christian music and literature - one that will make the individual think as well as praise and contemplate. Dr.Lyn Davies"

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