Description
Doug Constable’s first collection consisting of a hundred hymns and some poems, was warmly received. This further collection ranges more widely and contains four sections:
recent poems (a sequence of twenty-seven sonnets responding to George Herbert’s Prayer, plus other pieces inserted throughout the book), thirty-five hymns, ten songs for voice and keyboard, eight choral works, and two short pieces for piano. All the music – for hymns, songs and choral settings – range in style from simple and easily-learned to pieces for which some musical background would be helpful.
REVIEWS
Douglas Constable’s work reveals a rare – indeed, a fearless – inventiveness and a quite remarkable variety of expression. A number of the hymn texts deserve to find a place in more than one thoughtful, modern collection where contemporary emphases on Christian theological understanding and practical living are welcomed. In particular, the twenty-seven sonnets based on one of George Herbert’s own are a masterpiece of inventiveness. Here, as in a number of the hymns, Constable has a flair for the creation of a striking phrase which lodges in the memory, to be recalled at will, like a welcome guest.
John Crothers, ARSCM, author, musician, member of the Executive Committee of the Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland
Having greatly appreciated his earlier Strength and Tenderness, it gives me the greatest of pleasure to welcome and commend this second collection by the Reverend Douglas Constable. I have been associated with Doug over a number of years, and I can testify that his ability to convey the Christian message through words and music is not only inspirational, but enables us to connect with the divine in a deeply spiritual way.
Dorrien Davies, Bishop of St Davids, Pembrokeshire
Doug Constable’s hymn texts are refreshing. His exploration of less-travelled pathways in church history is enlightening; his original insights stir the imagination and understanding; and his choice of language is frequently arresting and invigorating. A high point of this collection is the sequence of sonnets responding to ‘Prayer I’, in which Doug unpacks George Herbert’s compressed phraseology, image by image, to give a set of poems which are delightful in themselves as well as providing a fine commentary on the original. Here, as elsewhere, Doug takes a tradition, shapes it as his own, and passes it on to enrich his readers.
Martin Leckebusch. Hymn poet, Executive President of The Hymn Society of Great Britain & Ireland
Doug takes us on a joyful and surprising journey. Words and music in myriad forms reveal private joys, moving insights and a great humanity. We are drawn into a kaleidoscope of Christian witness. Here is simplicity and devotion in hymn settings; anarchic boldness in more experimental works, sublime chords and singability as the words of St Francis are re imagined, together with the delightful use of familiar tunes, witnessed ‘In the Church of the Unlikely’. From crafted sonnets to moving blank verse, these pages reflect Doug’s generosity of spirit, and in submitting all to God, the result is an abundant supply of good things.
Parch Rhian Morgan
This new collection of ‘Strength and Tenderness’ introduces us to more of Doug’s hymns and poems. It underlines for me the enduring value of a good hymn as a key part of Christian spirituality and worship. Doug’s hymns convey truth, they inspire worship and they help us to sing from the heart. Some are immediately singable, others need a little more commitment and some of course will benefit from a choir! The musical styles are varied, and the keyboard accompaniments are pianistic, fitting beautifully under the hands. These lovely, often moving, hymns and poems will reward anyone who spends time with them.
Lesley Prosser
That Doug Constable’s first collection of hymns, songs and poems was well received comes as no surprise. The title of this new collection offers a clue as to why. He has a gift for channeling prophetic passion and protest with compassionate sensitivity. Inspired by George Herbert he is at heart a priest and a poet combining robust spirituality, pastoral carefulness, and accessible musicality to excellent effect.
John Saxbee. Bishop of Lincoln 2001-2011, Hon Assistant Bishop, Diocese of St Davids
‘Since meeting Doug in my gap year in 1977 at Lee Abbey, where we used his hymns and songs, I have been a lifelong fan of his work. I admire the freshness, inclusivity and thoughtfulness of his lyrics, steeped in profound biblical and theological knowledge as they are, yet lucid and accessible. Doug’s music ranges across many styles and moods and carries the words beautifully, investing them with power and effectiveness. I hope this new collection will be widely used and enjoyed.’
Nicola Slee Honorary Professorial Research Fellow at the Queen’s Foundation, Birmingham; Professor Emerita at Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam.
Doug Constable’s work is deeply-rooted in the traditions of the Christian life, but always fresh and innovative. We see and hear someone wholly and generously engaging with God, and offering us a share in the journey, with words and music.
Jane Williams McDonald Professor in Christian Theology, St Mellitus College. Lay Prebendary, St Paul’s Cathedral
What they said about Volume 1…
“This is an exciting collection that will not only enrich the musical life of a worshipping community but also their theological understanding… The inclusion of the stories behind the pieces is refreshing – restoring the connection between hymnody and the ordinary lives of those seeking a Christian way in a complex world.”
Rev June Boyce-Tillman, MBE, Professor Emerita of Applied Music, Winchester University.
“When I first met Doug in the 1970’s I was really inspired by his energy and his ability to engage through his music in such an open and honest way. In this mighty collection it is clear that he loves music and loves words, but perhaps most of all, he loves people. He is a wonderful, natural communicator whose work shines with warmth and integrity and he has the ability to say something very profound often through disarmingly simple means, which is a great gift.”
Bob Chilcott, Composer, Principal Guest Conductor BBC Singers
“I have been moved and challenged by Doug’s words and music for the past five decades. Singing his songs with others has drawn us together, inspired by his loving, believing take on life. They are unique and this collection is a treasure store.”
Elizabeth Hume, Teacher
“Within this extraordinary collection of hymns, of words and … wonderfully original musical arrangements, chord progressions and melodies, you will find yourself reading, then singing, truly beautiful, insightful and prophetic words – hymns that will, perhaps, challenge your whole experience of congregational expression and proclamation.”
Adrian Snell, Composer, Recording Artist, Music Therapist
“The hymns and poems in this book … are strong, line by line, in rhythm and form, and tender in their recognition of human weakness and their faith… Many are admirably suited to public worship, and would make fine additions to any hymnal.”
J.Richard Watson, Professor Emeritus of English Literature, Durham University, author of The English Hymn (Oxford 1999
“Doug Constable’s hymn-writing has come out of the encounter between an unusually fresh imagination and a series of very specific pastoral contexts; and this means that it is exploratory, genuinely celebratory, challenging, and mercifully free of cliché – both traditional and contemporary cliché. These are humane, candid compositions, and they will be a real gift to all who are looking for words and music that are neither frozen in inherited attitudes nor labouring for an emotional quick fix. I hope they will be welcomed, used and loved.”
Rowan Williams, Archbishop Emeritus, Honorary President of The Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland).
John Crothers –
Douglas Constable’s work reveals a rare – indeed, a fearless – inventiveness and a quite remarkable variety of expression. A number of the hymn texts deserve to find a place in more than one thoughtful, modern collection where contemporary emphases on Christian theological understanding and practical living are welcomed. In particular, the twenty-seven sonnets based on one of George Herbert’s own are a masterpiece of inventiveness. Here, as in a number of the hymns, Constable has a flair for the creation of a striking phrase which lodges in the memory, to be recalled at will, like a welcome guest.
, ARSCM, author, musician, member of the Executive Committee of the Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland
Dr Lyn Davies –
This fine volume is the product of a fine mind and a deeply felt Christian sensibility- as anyone who has experienced Doug’s dignified, sincere and dedicated ministry can attest Like his substantial earlier volume of hymns, songs and poem, this collection reflects several sides of his musical and literary talents. The musical settings reflect or embrace many styles and varied harmonies from the simplicity of (say) ‘All my strength and tenderness’ (the Teilo Magnificat) to often jazz tinged piquant harmony. The book is very well produced and published to a very high standard, and is a valuable addition to the repertoire of Christian music and literature.
Dr Lyn Davies, Composer, Choral Director, sometime head of Voice at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Meirion Wynn Jones –
In the collection, ‘Strength and Tenderness’ Doug Constable once again shares with us the fruits of his literary and musical labours.There is much to explore here, and much that could be of use liturgically, and in a private devotional setting. Beautifully typeset, this is a volume to savour and enjoy.
Meirion Wynn Jones, Composer
Mark Oakley –
Doug Constable’s creative conversations with Herbert, and with his own attentive observation, open up a generative space in which we are helped to begin our own.
Mark Oakley, Dean of Southwark