Episode 07: The history behind “Nearer, My God, to Thee”: Sarah Flower Adams wanted to become an actress, but ill health cut her acting career short, so she turned to writing. As a member of the congregation of the Rev. William Johnson Fox, a Unitarian minister in London, she contributed 13 hymns to the Hymns and Anthems, published in 1841. "Nearer, My God, to Thee" was written by request to accompany a sermon by Reverend Fox on the account of Jacob's dream in Genesis chapter 28. Originally, it was sung to a tune composed by Sarah's sister, Eliza. But the hymn did not gain wide appeal until paired with the Lowell Mason tune with which it is commonly sung today. Lowell Mason was largely responsible for introducing music into American public schools. He arranged and adapted music for "Joy to the World," "How Gentle God's Commands," and many others. This program features contemporary renditions of this hymn from such artists as the following: Lex De Azevedo, "London Philharmonic Orchestra" series, instrumental version (Album: A Child of God); Kurt Bestor (Album: Images); The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square (Album: Then Sings My Soul); Octapella (Album: Worship); Geslison and Groberg (Album: Abide with Me); Michael Dowdle (Beloved Hymns of Prayer and Faith); Vocal Point (Album: Non-Stop); Lex De Azevedo (Album: Variations on a Sacred Theme II); and the Utah Chamber Artists (Album: We'll Sing and Shout).

Episode 06: The History behind “Lead, Kindly Light”—The words were written by John Henry Newman, who was raised in an ordinary Church of England home but later converted and became an Anglican minister. John Bacchus Dykes wrote the tune to which we sing “Lead, Kindly Light” specifically for John Henry Newman’s words. The tune name, LUX BENIGNA, is Latin for “kindly light.” Dykes was a distinguished Cambridge student and was cofounder of the Cambridge University Musical Society. He published sermons and articles on religion but is best known as a composer of over 300 hymn tunes. This program features contemporary renditions of this hymn from such artists as the following: Lex De Azevedo, "London Philharmonic Orchestra” series and the Variations on a Sacred Theme Volume 1 album The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square (Album: Then Sings My Soul) Brigham Young University Young Ambassadors (Album: The Lord Is My Light) Michael Dowdle (Album: Fifty Favorite Hymns) Kurt Bester (Album: Music for a Sunday Afternoon) Reid Nibley (Album: Twelve Hymn Preludes)

Episode 05: The History behind “How Great Thou Art”—Stuart K. Hine lived a life dedicated to God during a time when opposition was strong against those who proclaimed Christ. His wife and he first heard this Swedish folk melody while ministering to the people of Ukraine. However, the inspiration to write original English lyrics did not come to them until they were in the beautiful Carpathian Mountains of Russia. This program highlights the history behind each verse of this beloved hymn and also features contemporary renditions of this hymn from such artists as the following: Lex De Azevedo, London Philharmonic Recording Series, Instrumental Version (Album: A Mighty Fortress) Michael Dowdle (Album: Beloved Hymns of Christ; Hymns of Praise, Songs of Joy) Larry Green (Album: Kingsfold) The BYU Singers (Album: We Sing of Christ) Jenny Oaks Baker (Album: On Wings of Song) The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square (Album: Then Sings My Soul)

Episode 04: The History behind “Praise to the Man”—William W. Phelps wrote the text to 15 hymns that we still sing today. His story is much like the prodigal son—one of straying from and returning to the fold of God. This program highlights this history and also features contemporary renditions of this hymn from such artists as the following: The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square, under the direction of Mack Wilberg, “Praise to the Man” (Album: Praise to the Man) FiddleSticks, “Praise to the Man” (Album: Return to Nauvoo) Merrill Jenson, “Praise to the Man” (Album: High on the Mountain Top) Lex De Azevedo, “Fantasy on a Scottish Tune” (Album: Variations on a Sacred Theme II) BYU Vocal Ensemble: Vocal Point, “Praise to the Man” (Arrangement Ricky Parkinson, Album: Nonstop) Enoch Train, “Scotland the Brave” Michael Dowdle, “Praise to the Man” (Beloved Hymns of the Restoration)

Episode 03: The History behind “Joseph Smith’s First Prayer”—George Manwaring, the author of “Joseph Smith’s First Prayer,” was a music teacher and poet of rare ability; he never had a music lesson in his life, yet he was able to play piano and organ and teach–all of which he did by ear. Inspired by a painting of the First Vision, George put the story of the First Vision to song. The musical arrangement for the hymn was done by the trained musician A. C. Smyth, who adapted it from Sylvanus Billings Pond’s melody. This program also features contemporary renditions of this hymn.

Episode 02: The history behind “All Creatures of Our God and King”—St. Francis of Assisi, the gentle preacher who loved the birds and animals of the forest and every manifestation of the natural world, could have left no more fitting legacy than this great hymn to nature. It is a joyous inventory of the blessings heaped upon us by a loving Creator, as each of His creations is urged to join in a chorus of praise. This remarkable hymn was put to the musical arrangement done by Ralph Vaughan Williams. This program also features contemporary renditions of this hymn.

Episode 01: The history behind “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet”—In this first episode we feature the history behind “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet.” As a convert to the Church, William Fowler wrote the words to this well-known hymn. The music was composed by Caroline Sheridan Norton. This program also features contemporary renditions of this hymn.