The fuging psalm tune is relatively unknown to the average person today. It begins with a few measures of homophonic music or A Section. It then continues with the imitative B section, referred to as the fugue or fuge. Typically, this B section of music begins with the entrances of bass voices followed by the remaining tenor, alto, and soprano voice in some combination as desired by the composer.
There is a particular fuging tune composed in 1803 by Thomas Jarman. It goes by the tune names Lyngham and sometimes also Desert. You may have heard it sung as “O Sing A New Song to the Lord (Psalm 98A Metrical)” or even “Behold the Glories of the Lamb.” This recording by Maddy Prior shows how lively this type of tune can be when set to a very established text like Charles Wesley’s “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing.”
What is authentic and likable about this tune is true of the style as a whole. It encourages participation; in fact, it requires it. It may be a bit rustic or rough around the edges.
Some of you may know that I’m working on a Ph.D. in Church Music and Worship and the fuging tune, and I are becoming very well acquainted. I hope to bring you more tidbits about it in future posts. But for now, go listen to this recording of “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” and enjoy this part of our church music past that many have forgotten.