The Hymn Makers - Charles Wesley 1707-1788

Published Sunday 16th March 2008
The Hymn Makers - Charles Wesley 1707-1788
The Hymn Makers - Charles Wesley 1707-1788

STYLE: Hymnody
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 29376-12170
LABEL: Kingsway Music KMCD2817
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 2
RELEASE DATE: 2007-09-21
RRP: £16.99

Reviewed by Tom Lennie

It looks like a little hard-back book, but opens up as a double-CD with partitioning booklet containing a seven-page biography and lyrics to all 27 songs featured herein. While issued as a celebration of the 300th anniversary of Wesley's birth, this is in fact a smart repackage of two recordings released separately a number of years ago as part of the Hymn Makers series. Charles Wesley is perhaps the Master of British hymnwriters, both in quantity of output - a staggering 6,500 compositions - as well as quality of content. Certainly this is a masterful collection, rendered by St Michael's Singers in Coventry Cathedral, and conducted by Paul Leddington Wright - though I got all that info from the former sleevenotes - none of these elementary details are disclosed on the new version despite the lavish packaging. That oversight apart, there are some great songs here, though I was surprised by how many I wasn't already familiar with. The lyrics are full of spiritual meaning, the theology related is never sloppy (unlike some modern songs) and they rhyme well and flow rhythmically (ditto). This collection is a real treasure trove of classic hymns and a legacy that will be appreciated by all lovers of hymnody.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Product Description
This 2CD album marks the tercentenary of the birth of Charles Wesley whom Dr. George Sampson described as ‘a new religious poet of burning sincerity and high poetic feeling’.

Reader Comments

Posted by Eljeevan Winnoe.S in Kerala, India @ 15:36 on Jan 18 2011

Hi, I just Happen to hear this release and am well pleased with it. Can you give me details as to where I can buy a copy of the same in India. I would also like to use one the hymns (Lo He comes) in my wedding on the 24th of Jan but I do not have the access to the original copy of the recording. I am willing to buy one but if you give me permission I will use the copied version of this Hymn for once during the wedding. This is subjected to your approval only. Sorry for the inconvenience,if any. I'll be much glad to find favor... Cheers, Eljeevan


Reply by Stephen Holmstrom in New Brunswick, Canada @ 17:39 on Apr 9 2012

I would like to obtain this volume as well as the second volume. Where can they be purchased in Canada?

Thank you
Stephen Holmstrom

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