Thomas A. Jonard's Musical Favorites

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Johannes Brahms (1833-1897): Only four symphonies. Too Bad! Excellent piano concertos.
Anton Bruckner (1824-1896): Not a bad symphony in the lot.
Aaron Copland (1900-1990)
Woody Guthrie (1912-1967): American folk composer.
George Fredric Handel (1685-1759): You know him. He wrote the Messiah.
Carl Nielson (1865-1931)
Phil Ochs (1940-1976): American folk composer.
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
John Williams
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Kiri Te Kanawa, soprano: This lady can sing anything.
Diana Krall: I Love her fresh yet classic interpretations of vocal standards.
George Strait: The only male Country and Western vocalist to whom I'd listen.
Dolly Parton: The only female Country and Western vocalist to whom I'd listen.
John Williams, guitar
Buckwheat Zydego, accordion: Raucous Cajun two-step! Nothing like it! And a much better use for an accordion than Polka or firewood.
Old Favorites.
Some things you grow up with and they become a part of you. If it's music it still sounds good after all the years.
Gene Autry: A real Cowboy vocalist.
Perry Como (1934-2001): Smooth, comfortable, popular music from the my past.
John Davidson: Polished folk and popular vocalist of the '70's (and still around).
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Chanticleer: All male classical vocal ensemble, excellent harmonization, no accompaniment, a broad range of styles.
The Manhattan Transfer: Tight four part harmony capable of many modern styles. I like their jazzy touch. Very sweet.
Riders in the Sky: New and better than real Cowboy* vocal music.
Sonos Handbell Ensemble, James Meredith, Music Director: I didn't know you could do that with handbells!
The Swingle Singers: I first heard the Swingle Singers "sing" instrumental music in the '60's. I attended a concert in 2000 and was surprised to hear them (with new singers) alive and well. They performed traditional Swingle material and then branched into several styles. It was at this concert that I realized for the first time that they really do not use any accompaniment -- not even drums as I had thought for years!
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The following two groups are local Columbus, Ohio groups that I encounter regularly at the annual Westerville Arts and Crafts Festival:
Arnett Howard and the Creole Funk Band: After 14 years entertaining around central Ohio the Creole Funk Band disbanded in 2002. Arnett Howard plans to pursue other musical projects. Arnett drives a Fiero too!
Flint Ridge: This is the only Bluegrass group I know! I have to get out more. Flint Ridge has disbanded.
Old Favorites
More things I grew up with.
The Kingston Trio
Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys
Peter, Paul and Mary
Sons of the Pioneers: Old but real Cowboy vocal music.
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I have soloed older hymns which are unfamiliar to me but beloved by older fellow parishioners. It is a pleasure to do that because it is a pleasure to see them connect through that experience with their own past. Nevertheless when one of these days it is my turn to sit and reminisce through the "old songs" I know that my short list will be a lot different than what it is for these people. Whether it seems faithful or not there appears to be a fashion in hymns. While some such as "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" have stood the test of time there is always a nostalgia for hymns that are not in the new hymn books and that don't get sung any more. For my self I hope my "old songs" will be "Lord of the Dance" or "We Shall Overcome".
Amen, Amen: African American spiritual.
Breathe on Me, Breath of God: Trentham, SM, Robert Jackson, 1894, and Edwin Hatch, 1886.
Eternal Father, Strong to Save: Melita, 8.8.8.8.8.8, John Bacchus Dykes, 1861, and William Whiting, 1860. This is commonly known as the "Naval Hymn" and I think its appeal for me is that my father served in the Navy in World War II and I can never hear this without thinking of him and all the other brave men who went to sea to defend our country.
Every Time I Feel the Spirit: Pentecost, African-American spiritual, arranged by Joseph T. Jones (1902-1983). Every time I hear this I feel the spirit.
For All the Saints: Sine Nomine, 10.10.10 with alleluias, Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906, words by William Walsham How, 1864. This is a grand hymn which celebrates our connections to the faithful in all generations.
Give to Me, Lord, a Thankful Heart: Gatescarth, 8.6.8.8.6, Caryl Micklem, 1973. Another lovely modern hymn, a prayer for guidance and help.
God is Here!: Abbot's Leigh, 8.7.8.7 D, Cyril Vincent Taylor, 1941, arranged by Fred Pratt Green, 1988. A modern, joyous hymn of celebration.
God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens: Holy Manna, 8.7.8.7 D, attributed to William Moore, 1825, Charles Anders, 1969, and Catherine Arnott Cameron, 1967. This modern hymn speaks of the majestic God of infinite time and place -- sort of an cosmologist's hymn.
God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending: Beach Spring, 8.7.8.7 D, from The Sacred Harp, arranged by Robert L Edwards, 1961. A hymn of God's abundance and our response.
Here I Am Lord: Here I Am Lord, 7.7.7.4 D with refrain, Daniel L. Schutte, 1981, harmonized by Michael Pope, Daniel L. Schutte and John Weissrock, 1983. A contemporary hymn about being called to discipleship. I don't know why this grabs me but grab it does -- like a call from God. The odd cadences of the calling verses contrast perfectly with the firmness of a measured refrain full of hesitant response.
I Come with Joy: Dove of Peace, 8.6.8.6.6, American folk melody, Brian Wren, 1968 & 1977, arranged by Austin C. Lovelace, 1977. A contemporary communion hymn that reminds us that in communion we have community which is how we meet our Lord.
I Danced in the Morning: Simple Gifts, American Shaker melody, arranged by Sidney Carter, 1963. To me this is the anthem of the '60's in which I grew up.
I Sing a Song of the Saints of God: Grand Isle (Irregular), Lesbia Scott, 1929, John Henry Hopkins, 1940. A hymn to all the saints -- who are of course common believers like you and I. Of course the "irregular" meter adds to my appreciation
In Christ There Is No East or West: McKee CM, John Oxenham, 1908, African-American spiritual, adapted by Harry T. Burleigh, 1940. These words are also set to St. Peter CM. I like both but this better. A hymn of unity in Christ -- too bad people who divide churches will not listen.
Jesus Comes with Clouds Descending: Helmsley, 8.7.8.7.4.4.4.7, Thomas Olivers, 1763, arranged by Charles Wesley, 1758.
Joy to the World: Antioch CM with repeat, Isaac Watts, 1719, Attributed to George Hrederick Handel, 1742, arranged by Lowell Mason, 1836. At one time we sang this hymn as we left Christmas Eve service. Truly appropriate for singing on street corners at the top of your lungs on Christmas Day.
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence: Picardy, 8.7.8.7.8.7, from the liturgy of St. James, 4^th century French carol. I have soloed verses of this other-worldly Advent tune in a plainsong style.
Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ: Linstead, LM with refrain, Jamacian folk melody, words by Fred Kaan, 1975. A communion hymn.
Lift high the Cross: Crucifer, 10.10 with refrain, George William Kitchin, 1827-1912, revised by Michael Robert Newbolt, 1916, Sidney Hugo Nicholson, 1916, descant by Richard Proulx. A triumphal hymn.
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming: Es Ist Ein' Ros', 7.6.7.6.6.7.6, 15th century German carol, arranged by Michael Praetorius. A beautiful musical image.
Lord, I Want to Be a Christian: Irregular, African-American spiritual. An honest hymn of longing for a change of heart.
Morning Has Broken: Bunessan, 5.5.5.4 D, Gaelic melody, set by Eleanor Farjeon, 1931. A hymn in praise of the creation. A secular arrangement was made popular by Cat Stevens.
O God of Every Nation: Llangloffan, 7.6.7.6 D, Welsh folk melody, arranged by William W.Reid, Jr., 1958, alt. 1972. A modern prayer for world harmony delivered on a solemn Welsh tune.
O Sing to the Lord: 11.11.11.10, Brazilian folk song. A latin sound that praises singing and dancing to a wonderful God.
Of the Father's Love Begotten: Divinum Mysterium, 8.7.8.7.8.7.7, Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (348-413), Plainsong mode V. "Divine mystery" is a good name for this tune.
Once to Every Man and Nation: Ebenezer, .8.7.8.7 D, Thomas John Williams, 1890, and James Russell Lowell. I first learned this complicated, brooding, mystical tune while participating in an All City choir during Junior High school in Akron. Ohio.
Rejoice the Lord is King: Darwall's 148th, 6.6.6.6.8.8, John Darwall, 1770, and Charles Wesley, 1746. The melodic phrases in this hymn lend themselves to expressive crescendos and decrescendos.
Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!: Marion, SM with refrain, Arthur Henry Messiter, 1883 and Edward Hayes Plumptre, 1865. A festive hymn.
Ride On! Ride On in Majesty!: St. Drostane, LM, John Bacchus Dykes, 1862, and Henry Hart Milman, 1827. The first half of each verse of this hymn is emphatic and the second lends itself to a slow crescendo.
Spirit: James K. Manley, 1975. Musical images of the Spirit that speak to the spirit within us.
The First Nowell: The First Nowell (Irregular with refrain), 17th century English carol. This is my favorite Christmas carol. The tenor line is wonderful.
The God of Abraham Praise: Leoni, 6.6.8.4 D, Hebrew Melody, Daniel ben Judah, 1404, arranged by Thomas Olivers and Meyer Lyon, 1770. Truly an Old Testament hymn of praise.
There is Wideness in God's Mercy: In Babilone, 8.7.8.7 D, Dutch Melody, Fredrick William Faber, 1854. A message of grace in music.
This is My Father's World: Terra Beata, SMD, Franklin L. Sheppard, 1915. This is a simple hymn with a celestial theme.
'Tis the Gift to Be Simple: Simple Gifts, American Shaker melody. Modern life is very complicated yet progress is supposed to simplify life. In this hymn simplicity comes first.
We Shall Overcome: Traditional American folk tune. Theme song of social justice in America.
What Wondrous Love is This: Wondrous Love, 12.9.12.12.9, American folk tune, c. 1811, Walker's Southern Harmony, 1835, Cantate Domino, 1980. Salvation is song.
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The following are some of the solos I've sung. I've not tried to keep track of them until recently. These justify as favorites because you don't sing solos you don't like, at least I don't
December 9, 1979, First Presbyterian Church, Westerville: Comfort Ye, Every Valley, (from the Messiah), George Frideric Handel
July 16, 1995, First Presbyterian Church, Westerville: Thy Word (duet with Lori Lampel), Amy Grant
October 1, 1995, First Presbyterian Church, Westerville: The Word, Michael Card
October 8, 1995, First Presbyterian Church, Westerville: I Need Thee Every Hour (duet with Bev Etling and choir)
February 25, 1995, First Presbyterian Church, Westerville: Christ is With Us, Don Besig and Nancy Price
August 6, 1995, First Presbyterian Church, Westerville: It Is Well with My Soul, Philip P. Bliss and Craig Courtney.
May 26, 1996, First Presbyterian Church, Westerville: O Spirit of Life (duet with Bev Etling and choir)
October 20, 1996, First Presbyterian Church, Westerville: Consecration, John Ness Beck and Francis R. Havergal
January 5, 1997, First Presbyterian Church, Westerville: Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head, American folk song, arranged by John Edmunds
August 16, 1998, First Presbyterian Church, Westerville: Rejoice in the Lord Always, Richard W. Gieseke
August 15, 1999, First Presbyterian Church, Westerville: The Gift of Love, American folk tune, arranged by Hal Hopson
September, 19, 1999, First Presbyterian Church, Westerville: To Everything There is a Season, Ed Harris, solo introduction to choir. This was a birthday gift.
October 31, 1999, First Presbyterian Church, Westerville: Of the Father's Love Begotten, verse 1, Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (348-413), Plainsong mode V.
February 20, 2000, First Presbyterian Church, Westerville: We Are Singing, for the Lord is Our Light, verse 3, Zulu traditional song arranged by Hal Hopson.
November 5, 2000, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Columbus: It Is Well with My Soul, Philip P. Bliss and Craig Courtney. This is actually the second time I have sung this piece.
December 17, 2000, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Columbus: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, verse 2, Gustav Holst
April 16, 2001, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Columbus: Hosanna! Blessed is He That Comes (duet with Diehl Ackerman and choir), Christian Gregor, 1888, arranged by Carl F. Mueller.
July 22, 2002, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Columbus: The Word, Michael Card
August 11, 2002, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Columbus: Morning Has Broken, a hymn, Gaelic melody, set by Eleanor Farjeon.
January 5, 2003, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Columbus: Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head, arranged by John Edmunds
June 22, 2003, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Columbus: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing, arranged by Mark Hayes
(Note: this is an interesting setting in 5/4 time)
January 25, 2004, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Columbus: The Heavens Are Telling (from The Creation) by Joseph Haydn (Rapheal in the angel trio with Phyllis Gardner and Amy Paulin) I can no longer say I've never been an angel!
August 29, 2004, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Columbus: On Eagle's Wings by Michael Joncas, arranged by Mark Hayes
June 24, 2007, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Columbus: Here I Am, Lord by Daniel L. Schutte, arranged by Jack Schrader
July 12, 2009, First Presbyterian Church, Westerville: Here I Am, Lord by Daniel L. Schutte, arranged by Jack Schrader (again)
October 3, 2010, First Presbyterian Church, Westerville: Rejoice in the Lord Always, Richard W. Gieseke (also again)
February 20, 2011, First Presbyterian Church, Westerville: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing, arranged by Mark Hayes (another repeat)
I have been fortunate enough to participate in one debut of a choral work:
Lead On, O King!, Garry A. Cornell, Charles W. Everst (1814-1877) and Ernest W. Shurtleff (1862-1917): A Concertato for Choir, Congregation and Organ. Commissioned by the Choir and Congregation of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Columbus, OH. The author was present for the first performance at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church on May 6, 2001 and conducted us in his Benediction at the end of the service.
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Here are some of the outstanding choir anthems I've had the pleasure of singing over the years:
Alleluia, Randall Thompson
A Gaelic Blessing, John Rutter
A Lord-Built House, Roger Lentz
Angel's Carol, John Rutter
Christmas Day, Gustav Holst
Come, Emmanuel, Don Besig and Nancy Price
Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God, Carl F. Mueller
Go Ye Into All the World, Eugene Butler
He's Callin' My Name, Patsy Ford Simms
Holy is the Lord, Ralph Manuel
How Can I Keep From Singing, arranged by Bradley Ellingboe
If You Search with All Your Heart, Craig Courtney
Messiah, George Frideric Handel: I purchased my tattered copy of T. Tertius Noble's complete vocal score of The Messiah in 1965, making it the oldest piece of music I own.
One Faith, One Hope, One Lord, Craig Courtney
People Who Walk in Darkness, Craig Curry and J. Paul Williams
Precious Lord, Take My Hand, Thomas A. Dorsey and Jack Schrader
Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness, James K. Manley and Michael Hassell
Teach Me Thy Song, O Lord, Craig Courtney
The God of Love My Shepherd Is, Roy Hopp
The Heavens Are Telling (from The Creation), Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
The Lord is Risen, William Billings
The Morning Trumpet, B. F. White (Sacred Harp, 1844), arranged by Robert Wetzler
The Peace of God, John Rutter
There Shall a Star from Jacob, Mendelssohn
Wade in the Water, a traditional spiritual arranged by Nina Gilbert
We Are Singing, for the Lord Is Our Light, Zulu traditional song arranged by Hal Hopson
We'll Be There!, Garry Cornell and Mark Black (1856-1936)
What Wondrous Love Is This, Garry Cornell
You Are Holy, Du Ar Helig Per Harling, arranged by John Helgen
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Created May 11, 2001,

Tom Jonard's Musical Favorites

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