Shapers of the Hymnal 1982 - by Marty Wheeler Burnett (Paperback)

About the Book

Explore the groundbreaking Hymnal 1982 through the eyes of its creators as the Episcopal Church celebrates the fortieth anniversary of its publication.

Book Synopsis

Explore the groundbreaking Hymnal 1982 through the eyes of its creators as the Episcopal Church celebrates the fortieth anniversary of its publication.

The Hymnal 1982 is a landmark publication that has shaped the Church's song and provided a wealth of musical resources. Through the author's first-person interviews, meet the poets, composers, clergy, liturgists, and scholars who contributed to this influential book, and hear their insights about what has worked well--and the changes they envision for the future. The author also shares her observations, as well as input from musicians currently serving Episcopal parishes. Discussion questions and hymn suggestions related to each chapter provide a highly usable resource for group study in celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the hymnal's publication.

Review Quotes

"I am grateful to Marty Wheeler Burnett for this delightfully readable and carefully researched history of The Hymnal 1982. Readers will find it to be an invaluable contribution to our understanding of church history and a thoughtful guide for conversations about liturgical life in today's church."

"An extraordinary read, with broad accessibility. Marty's brilliant writing style inspires a timeless conversation with the 'Shapers of the Hymnal 1982' for generations to come."

"Dr. Wheeler Burnett builds deep appreciation for The Hymnal 1982by lifting up the voices of its editor, poets, composers, contributors, and theologians who willed this influential tome into existence. Her book honors the heritage of music and singing in the American Episcopal Church, while raising prescient and faithful questions for the formation of our next generation of musicians, clergy, and congregants."

"For scholars of hymnody, music directors, and folks who love to sing hymns, this book is a treasure. Dr. Burnett's ample research and trenchant analysis obviously arise from her enthusiasm for hymns and her admiration for the women and men who created The Hymnal 1982. Highly recommended."

"In this invaluable resource, Marty Wheeler- Burnett draws the reader into a circle of conversation to which most of us would not otherwise have access. Hymnody, no less than rite, is our theological heritage, and this book tells the story of how that heritage was shaped and handed on to us. The book is a treasure and gift to our shared memory."

"Marty Wheeler Burnett artfully tells the story of The Hymnal 1982, making generous use of first-person accounts and drawing us into the joys and struggles of bringing to birth this landmark collection of sacred song. Yet this book is not so much about the past as it is about the present and the future-telling the story of a church that continues to sing together while grappling with its faith, its worship, and its mission. Burnett raises important questions about the practice and continuing development of congregational song that will resonate with pastors, musicians, and leaders of every denomination."

"This book is a gift to the Episcopal Church, both for those who love the Hymnal 1982 and for those who are eager for future revisions. We cannot know where we are going unless we know how we got where we are-and this book accessibly narrates the process by which the texts, tunes, and structure of the Hymnal 1982 came to be, celebrating what was done well, and identifying areas that time has not been as kind toward."

"This book is a page-turner for any church musician, pastor, or liturgy lover who reveres the people's song and appreciates how it shapes faith and nourishes ecclesial identity. Delightfully presented, Dr. Wheeler Burnett transforms the black and white pages of The Hymnal 1982 into a vibrant rainbow of colorful characters, who speak with wit, passion, and insight about how the book came to be and what might follow. Every major hymnal deserves a similar reflection that celebrates its accomplishments and acknowledges its shortfalls before looking toward the next hymnic adventure."

"I am grateful to Marty Wheeler Burnett for this delightfully readable and carefully researched history of The Hymnal 1982. Readers will find it to be an invaluable contribution to our understanding of church history and a thoughtful guide for conversations about liturgical life in today's church."

-- "Sean Rowe, 28th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church"

"An extraordinary read, with broad accessibility. Marty's brilliant writing style inspires a timeless conversation with the 'Shapers of the Hymnal 1982' for generations to come."

-- "Mark Edw. Childers, Parish Administrator and Director of Liturgy and Music"

"Dr. Wheeler Burnett builds deep appreciation for The Hymnal 1982by lifting up the voices of its editor, poets, composers, contributors, and theologians who willed this influential tome into existence. Her book honors the heritage of music and singing in the American Episcopal Church, while raising prescient and faithful questions for the formation of our next generation of musicians, clergy, and congregants."

-- "Janet Yieh, Director of Music and Organist, Church of the Heavenly Rest"

"For scholars of hymnody, music directors, and folks who love to sing hymns, this book is a treasure. Dr. Burnett's ample research and trenchant analysis obviously arise from her enthusiasm for hymns and her admiration for the women and men who created The Hymnal 1982. Highly recommended."

-- "William Bradley Roberts, D.M.A., professor emeritus of church music, Virginia Theological Seminary and founding music director, Vox Humana Richmond"

"In this invaluable resource, Marty Wheeler- Burnett draws the reader into a circle of conversation to which most of us would not otherwise have access. Hymnody, no less than rite, is our theological heritage, and this book tells the story of how that heritage was shaped and handed on to us. The book is a treasure and gift to our shared memory."

-- "James Farwell, Director of Anglican Studies, Virginia Theological Seminary, and H. Boone Porter Professor of Liturgics, The General Theological Seminary"

"Marty Wheeler Burnett artfully tells the story of The Hymnal 1982, making generous use of first-person accounts and drawing us into the joys and struggles of bringing to birth this landmark collection of sacred song. Yet this book is not so much about the past as it is about the present and the future--telling the story of a church that continues to sing together while grappling with its faith, its worship, and its mission. Burnett raises important questions about the practice and continuing development of congregational song that will resonate with pastors, musicians, and leaders of every denomination."

-- "J. Michael McMahon, Executive Director of The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada"

"This book is a gift to the Episcopal Church, both for those who love the Hymnal 1982 and for those who are eager for future revisions. We cannot know where we are going unless we know how we got where we are--and this book accessibly narrates the process by which the texts, tunes, and structure of the Hymnal 1982 came to be, celebrating what was done well, and identifying areas that time has not been as kind toward."

-- "Jennifer A. Reddall, VI Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona"

"This book is a page-turner for any church musician, pastor, or liturgy lover who reveres the people's song and appreciates how it shapes faith and nourishes ecclesial identity. Delightfully presented, Dr. Wheeler Burnett transforms the black and white pages of The Hymnal 1982 into a vibrant rainbow of colorful characters, who speak with wit, passion, and insight about how the book came to be and what might follow. Every major hymnal deserves a similar reflection that celebrates its accomplishments and acknowledges its shortfalls before looking toward the next hymnic adventure."

-- "C. Michael Hawn, University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Church Music, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University"