Mel Bay

Author: The Rev. Peter B. Irvine
Format: Book
Instrumentation: Lyrics, Melody, Chords
Level: Beginning-Intermediate

With this collection of 26 folk hymns, author Peter Irvine brings shape-note music into the home, and provides adaptable music for a variety of instrumental ensembles. This format allows for instruments such as the mountain dulcimer, Native American or transverse flute, penny whistle, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and so forth. Anyone can play shape-note music, even when Sacred Harp gatherings or "singings" are not easily accessible.

The hymns in this collection are drawn from various classic shape-note sources like Southern Harmony (1835) and The Sacred Harp (1844). Presented in lead-sheet format (melody, chords, and lyrics), and written in keys accessible to all C instruments and several D instruments such as the penny whistle and mountain dulcimer, the material offers plenty of arrangements. Hymns can be sung by a soloist, in unison by a small group with chordal accompaniment, or a mixed ensemble.

Song List:

• All Is Well
• Bozrah
• Consolation (Morning Song)
• David's Lamentation
• Dundee (Norwich Tune)
• Evening Shade
• Fairfield
• Greenland
• Holy Manna
• Idumea
• Jesus Wept (When)
• Kedron
• Lone Pilgrim
• Middlebury
• Nativity
• New Britain (Amazing Grace)
• O Come, Come Away
• Promised Land
• Quapah
• Restoration
• Star in the East
• Tender Thought
• Union
• Vernon
• Wayfaring Stranger
• Wondrous Love