Not for Tongues

Composer Roy Hopp Text I Cor. 13, para. Timothy Dudley-Smith
Voicing SATB, organ, and opt. cong.
Church Season Pentecost Topics Love
Scripture references I Corinthians 13
Length 3' 10" Price $1.95 (U.S.) Released 3/91
Catalog no. 425-812 Difficulty Moderately easy
Discography He Has the Power: Calvin College Alumni Choir, Charles K. Smith, Conductor, Kenneth Bos, Accompanist (Calvin Alumni Association HR-014)

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Reviews
"A delightful setting."-April '93 Bulletin, Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Description
Dudley-Smith has created a simple yet beautiful paraphrase of I Corinthians 13, and Roy Hopp matches the text with his memorable melody and rich harmony and accompaniment. Hopp has the congregation joinging in on the refrain "May love be ours, O Lord," and also the last stanza. This piece is an ideal summation for services addressing the gifts of the Spirit. Moderate in difficulty, but easily rehearsed with unison singing on the first three stanzas, harmony on the refrains, and a more elaborate harmonization for the fourth stanza and conclusion. Congregational part is included.

Anthem text
Not for tongues of heaven's angels,
not for wisdom to discern,
not for faith that masters mountains,
for this better gift we yearn:
may love be ours, O Lord.

Love is humble, love is gentle,
love is tender, true, and kind;
love is gracious, everpatient,
generous of heart and mind:
may love be ours, O Lord.

Never jealous, never selfish,
love will not rejoice in wrong;
never boastful nor resentful,
love believes and suffers long:
may love be ours, O Lord.

In the day this world is fading
faith and hope will play their part;
but when Christ is seen in glory
love shall reign in every heart:
may love be ours, O Lord.

Text: para. of 1 Corinthians 13, Timothy Dudley-Smith, 1984.
©1985 Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, Ill. 60188 (for permission to reprint this text contact Hope at 800.323.1049-www.hopepublishing.com). All rights reserved.