Funeral chorals of the Unitas Fratrum or Moravian Church.

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MORAVIAN CHURCH

AR 16 1965

FUNERAL CHORALS

OF THE

UNITA5 FRATRUM

OR

MORAVIAN CHURCH

THE TROMBONE CHOIR.

Among the beautiful customs which the modern Moravian Church
has inherited from the fervent days in Herrnhut in the Zinzendorf era,
there is none more distinctive or more beautiful than the use of trom-
bones and other wind instruments to announce the death of a member
of the Moravian Church, and to accompany the burial services.

Probably the custom was a gradual growth, keeping pace with the
development of the Moravian congregations, and their division into
"Choirs," a term which was not only used to signify a company of
singers, but also certain other groups of persons who were closely
banded together by mutual interests for a common purpose. Thus the
association of trombonists was known as the Trombone Choir, while
the Congregation itself was divided' into choirs of married people,
widows, and widowers, the choir of "single brethren" or unmarried
men over eighteen years of age, the choir of "older boys" between
fourteen and eighteen years old, the similar choirs of "single sisters"
and "older girls," and the choir of children.

Just when trombones were introduced into Herrnhut does not appear.
The first Easter service on the graveyard, at four o'clock in the morn-
ing of April 13, 1732, consisted of songs, and there is no record of
instrumental music, but the Moravian emigrants to Georgia in 1735
took trombones and French horns. The diary of the Moravian Con-
gregation in Savannah does not say how the trombones were used, but
does state that when the Indian Chief Tomochichi died, the Moravians
refused a request from General Oglethorpe to furnish trombone music
at his funeral, — an idea which would scarcely have occurred to the
General had the Moravians not so accompanied the interment of their
own dead.

The origin of the announcement of a member's death by the trom-
bones is also obscure. It was practiced in many of the German State
churches where it corresponded to the tolling of bells elsewhere, and
since there were so many distinct "Choirs" in the Moravian Congre-
gation, it was natural that a special tune should come to be assigned to

each. Rev. C. A. Haehnle, of Nazareth, Pa., suggests that the schedule
of tunes may have been arranged by Christian Gregor, a hymn-writer
and skilled musician, who joined the Unitas Fratrum in 1742, served
various congregations as organist until 1764, and filled important offices
until his death in 1801. At least it seems safe to say that the use of
trombones at funerals was established prior to 1736, and that the sys-
tem of announcement hymns was elaborated before Zinzendorf's death
in 1760. The full set of tunes and stanzas was printed in the German
Moravian Liturgy Book of 1791, and subsequent editions, but they may
well have been used long before that time.

The use of trombones is not universal throughout the modern Mora-
vian Church. There are no Trombone Choirs in the English and many
of the American congregations, nor on the mission fields, but wherever
there is such a choir the music is highly prized, not only in connection
with funerals but for the Easter services and other special occasions.
The Moravian churches in Germany, and certain in America, cherish
their Trombone Choirs, and with one exception all are still using the
tunes selected in Herrnhut in the eighteenth century to announce the
death of a member of the Congregation. In the stanzas associated
with those tunes there have been some changes from time to time, but
practically none in the thoughts expressed. The German stanzas have
been published in Liturgy Books of various dates, while translations by
Rev. C. A. Haehnle were printed in The Moravian about 1882. Other
translations by Mr. F. W. Detterer, revised by Rt. Rev. J. Mortimer
Levering, appear in The Hand-book of the Moravian Congregation of
Bethlehem, 1891 ; and the stanzas used at Lititz are given on a card
issued in 1902. On the following pages appear the stanzas now ac-
cepted in Herrnhut, Bethlehem, and Salem, as representing the German
and the American Moravian Churches.

The announcement of a death has three distinct features. The
Trombone Choir, stationed in the belfry or before the Church, plays a
tune, the associated stanza referring to the departure of a member of
the Congregation. This is followed by a tune which indicates to which
"Choir" of the Congregation the deceased belonged, the married breth-
ren, married sisters, widowers, widows, single brethren, single sisters,
older boys, older girls, little boys, and little girls each having a special
tune and stanza. After this the first tune is repeated, but with refer-
ence to another stanza, one which reminds the hearer that the Death
Angel will some day come to him.

From the first there was much latitude allowed as to the hymns
used during the burial services, various chorals being rendered when
the congregation assembled in front of the church after the funeral
discourse, as the procession passed to the graveyard, and during the
interment. The chorals which follow are used in Salem, North Caro-
lina, at the present time, and they are given to complete the series, and
to show the faith and hope in which departing members are laid to rest
in the quiet squares of the Moravian "God's Acre."

Adelaide L,. Fries.

Winston-Salem, N. C, 1905.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF DEATH.

The first choral is the same for all Choirs. It has special reference
to the departed.

Tune 131 A.

PASSION CHORALE. I »•»« *«!»■«* w. »

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Valet will ich dir geben,

Du arge, falsche Welt,
Dein siindlich boses Leben

Durchaus mir nicht gefallt.
Im Himmel ist gut wohnen,

Hinauf steht mein Begier;
Da wird Gott ewig lohnen

Dem, der Ihm dient allhier.

German Moravian Hymn Book
No. 1 167, 1.

A pUgrim, us preceding,

Departs unto his home,
The final summons heeding

Which soon to all must come.
O joy ! the chains to sever

Which burden pilgrims here,
To dwell with Christ forever,

Who to our souls is dear.

V. Herberger.

Translated from the Liturgy Book
of 1823. 6

F. W. Detterer.

CHOIR CHORALS.

The second choral indicates the Choir to which the departed be-
longed.

MARRIED BRETHREN.

Tune 83 D.

OONFIDKNCE. 1 (7 8 7 8 7 7 Trochaic.) Johann Cruder, 1648.

Jesus, meine Zuversicht. f v * * * ^ ' '

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Jesus Christus lasst mich nicht!
Dessen freut sich meine Seele
Mit lebend'ger Zuversicht ;

Und auch meine Leibeshohle
Nimmt den Trost ins Grab hinein,
Dass sie Ihm wird ahnlich sein.
Book of 1791. Christian Gregor.

Moravian Hymn Book, No. 1164, 3.

Liturgy
German

Jesus ne'er forsaketh me :

This my spirit greatly cheereth,

And my constant trust shall be.

Yea, though death at length appeareth,

Herein precious comfort lies,
I shall in His image rise.
Translated from above. F. W. Detterer.

MARRIED 5I5TER5.

Tune 79 A.

^S*S"/i musz dick lessen. } <7' 7- G- 7- 7- 8- or 8- 8- «• 8- 8- 8- Iam»k-> Heinrich Isaak, c. 1490.

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Sein Seufzen und Sein Stohnen,
Und die viel tausend Thranen,

Die Ihm geflossen zu,
Die sollen mich am Ende
In Seinem Schoss und Hande

Begleiten zu der ew'gen Ruh.

Liturgy Book of 1791. Paul Gerhardt.

German Moravian Hymn Book, No. 91, 16.

His plea amid deep sighing,
'Mid bitter tears and crying,

My soul with peace hath blest.
Be this my consolation
When, thanks to His salvation,

I enter into lasting rest.

Translated from the Liturgy Book F. W. Detterer.

of 1823.

WIDOWERS.

Tune 132 A.

DECITJS. [ELBEKFELD.] > ,0»0»0qt t„™k!„ \ /Valentin Schumann's Leipzlger

AUeinGfottinderJiceh'selUhr'.} <»> v, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7, lammc.) \Gesangbuch,1539.

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Gutes und die Barmherzigkeit
Machen mir's hier ertraglich,

Dass ich kann haben meine Freud',
Am Haus des Herren taglich,

Auf Erd' in christlichen Gemein';

Und wenn ich heim darf, werd ich sein
Bei Christo, meinem Herren.
Liturgy Book of 1791.

C. Becker.

His goodness and His mercies all

Will follow me for ever ;
And I'll pursue my heavenly call

To cleave to my dear Saviour,
And to the Church, His body here ;
And when called home, I shall live there
With Christ, my soul's Redeemer.
American Moravian Hymn Book,
Edition of 1864, No. 375, 4.

WIDOWS.

Tunc 149, A.

uiich, mein Oeist, berett. } 7, 6, 7, 6, 3, 3, 6, 6, Trochaic. ) Johann Rosenmueller , 1655.

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Schickt das Herze da hinein

Alle Seine Kranken,
Wo ihr ewig wiinscht zu sein !

Sinnen und Gedanken,
Weichet nicht von dem Licht,
Das dort droben scheinet,
Wo man nicht mehr weinet.
Liturgy Book of 1791. Luise von Hayn.

German Moravian Hymn Book, No. 1165, 1.

Lift thy heart, oh weary soul,

To the heavenly mansion,
On yon height, thy chosen goal,

Fix thy whole attention.
Ne'er lose sight of the light

Which from heaven He sendeth,

Where all sorrow endeth.
Translated from above. F. W. Detterer.

10

SINGLE BRETHREN.

Tune 185 A.

GKEGOR'S 186TH METRE. (A.) \ (10, 7, 10, 7, 10, 10, 7, 7, / Popular Melody, c. 1740 ;

Herr und JBatster Jjeiner Kreuzgemetne. J Trochaic.) \ improved by Gregor and others.

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Einig Herze, das soil meine Weide

Und schon hier mein Himmel sein,
Dir zu leben, dir allein zur Freude,

Leib und Seele dir zu weih'n.
Bin ich gleich kein Held, viel auszustehen,
Mag mir's darum gleichwohl immer gehen,

Blutges Herze, wie du willst,

Bis ich meinen Lauf erfiillt.
German Moravian Hymn Book, ZinzendorF.

No. 917, 1.

Faithful Lord, my only joy and pleasure

Shall remain, while here I stay,
Thee, my matchless Friend and highest Treasure,

To adore, serve and obey;
Though I in myself am weak and feeble,
Yet I trust Thy grace will me enable

By obedience to Thy will

All Thy purpose to fulfill.
American Moravian Hymn Book,
Edition of 1864, No. 724, 2.

11

SINGLE SISTERS.

Tune 37 A.

GREGOB'S37TH METRE. 1 ,._„.„„..«, „

Das wahre Christenthum. / (6, 5, 6, 5, 6, 6, 6, 5, Iambic.)

Grimm's Chorale Book, 1756.

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Hier bleibt indes mein Los,

Ihn nachzuwallen,
Und meine Sorge bloss

Ihm zu gefallen.
Und dabei wart ich Sein

Mit Herzverlangen,
Bis Er in obern Reihn

Mich wird empfangen.
German Moravian Hymn Book,
No. 1 1 50.

Christian Gregor.

My happy lot is here

The Lamb to follow ;
Be this my only care

Each step to hallow,
And thus await the time

When Christ my Saviour
Will call me hence, with Him

To live forever.

American Moravian Hymn Book,
Edition of 1864, No. 943.

12

OLDER BOYS.

Tune 23

UPSALA.II. (The usual form.) (8, 8, S, 8, Trochaic.)

Johann Crueger, 1649.

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Christi Tod erfull hienieden
Mich schon friih mit Seinen Frieden,
Dass ich einst darauf mit Freuden
Konne von der Welt abscheiden.
Slightly altered from the
Liturgy Book of 1791.

Jesus' grace me here possessing,
Early with His peace me blessing,
My soul knows nor fear nor sadness,
Seeks its final home with gladness.
Translation of above. F. W. Detterer.

13

OLDER GIRLS.

Tune 14, A.

ESSLINGEN. \ (r „ .

Nun sich der Tag geendet fiat. J ^- m'

Adam Krieger, 1667.

Herr Jesu, Deine Gnadenwahl
Befordre meinen Lauf.

Nimm meinen Namen in die Zahl
Der Kinder Gottes auf.

German Moravian Hymn Book,
No. 604, 7.

Zinzendorf.

Lord Jesus, let Thy grace abound,

Me onward still direct;
Oh, Saviour, may my name be found

Among Thine own elect.
Translated from above. F. W. Detterer.

14

LITTLE BOYS.

Tune 39, A.

GREGOK'S 39TH ME7TEE, (A.) 1 (12> 12, 12, 12, or 11, 11. 11, 11, Anapaestic. )
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Was ist derm fur Kinder das Beste auf Erden?
Friih Schaflein des ewigen Hirten zu werden;
Die weidet Er hier schon auf seliger Weide
Und droben bei Sich in unendlicher Freude.
Liturgy Book of 1823.

The Lord to His fold little children inviteth,
His bounty the lambs of His pasture delighteth;
E'en here the Good Shepherd provides ample pleasures,
Above, in His presence, are unfading treasures.

Translation of above. F. W. Detterer.

15

LITTLE GIRLS.

Tune 82, D.

GREGOR'S 82D METRE. 1 (770077 Troetaflir >

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Grimm's Chorale Book, 1755.

Sollt ich nun nicht frohlich sein,
Ich begliicktes Schafelein ?
Denn nach diesen schonen Tagen
Werd ich endlich heimgetragen
In des Hirten Arm und Schoss,
Amen! ja, mein Gliick ist gross!

Liturgy Book of 1791. Luise von Hayn.

German Moravian Hymn Book, No. 844, 3.

Should not I for gladness leap,
Led by Jesus, as His sheep ?
For when these blest days are over,
To the arms of my dear Saviour
I shall be conveyed to rest ;
Amen, yea, my lot is blest.
American Moravian Hymn Book,
No. 366, 3.

16

CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENT CHORAL.

The third choral is the same for all Choirs. It has special reference
to the living. Tune I5I) A

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Wenn ich einmal soil scheiden,

So scheide nicht von mir ;
Wenn ich den Tod soil leiden,

So tritt Du dann herfur ;
Wenn mir am allerbangsten

Wird urn das Herze sein,
So reiss mich aus den Aengsten
Kraft Deiner Angst und Pein.

Paul Gerhardt.
German Moravian Hymn Book, Translated from the Latin of

No. 108, 9. Bernard of Clairvaux.

Lord, when I am departing,

Oh ! part Thou not from me !
When mortal pangs are darting,

Then call me home to Thee !
Thy death's atoning merit

From death hath set me free ;
Thus saved, I shall inherit

Eternal life in Thee.

J. W. Alexander, and
Translated from above. 17 F. W. Detterer.

FOR BURIAL SERVICES AT SALEM, N. C

IN FRONT OF THE CHURCH.

Tune i$i, A.

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Grant me to lean unshaken

Upon Thy faithfulness,
Until I hence am taken,
To see Thee face to face.
American Moravian Hymn Book, Bernard of Clairvaux.

No. 120, 2, second half.

18

ENTERING CEDAR AVENUE.

Tune 1 68, A.

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Jesus, Source of my salvation,
Conqueror both of death and hell,

Thou Who didst as my Oblation,
Feel what I deserve to feel,

Through Thy sufferings, death and merit,
I eternal life inherit;

Thousand, thousand thanks to Thee,

Dearest Lord, for ever be.
American Moravian Hymn Book, E. C. Homburg.

No. 131, 1.

19

ENTERING THE GRAVEYARD.

Time 205, A.

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Jesus, lover of my soul,

Let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the raging billows roll,

While the tempest still is high ;
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide,

Till the storm of life is past ;
Safe into the haven guide:

O receive my soul at last.
American Moravian Hymn Book, Charles Wesley.

No. 364, 1.

20

DURING THE INTERMENT.

Tune 14, A.

ESSMNGEN, 1 ,r M,

Nun sich der Tag geendet hat. i v-" J!a-'

Adam Krieger, 1667.

Now to the earth let these remains

In hope committed be ;
Until the body, changed, attains
Blest immortality.
American Moravian Hymn Book, Gottfried Neumann.

No. 878, 3.

21

AT CLOSE OF SERVICE.

Tune 22, A.

GEEGOR'S 22D METRE. (22, A.) \ n iur \
Die Seele Christi heil'ge mich. j KU- aL')

Aurelius Prndentius Clemens, + 406.
Georg Rhaws Schul Gesangbuch, 1544.

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The Saviour's blood and righteousness
My beauty is, my glorious dress,
Thus well arrayed, I need not fear,
When in His presence I appear.
American Moravian Hymn Book, Paul Eber.

No. 302, 1.

22

LEAVING THE GRAVEYARD.

The tune indicating the Choir of the departed is used.
( See pages 7 to 16. )

CLOSING.

Tune 159, A.

GREGOR'S 159TH METRE. \ lananaaae t„™m„ \ /Popular Melody ; adopted

Dm- Sabbath ist urn's Menschen tuiWn. J &' b' B» b> 8> 8» 8' 6> -u*mMC.) ^ by thQ Moravian Church.

'Tis the most blest and needful part

To have in Christ a share,
And to commit our way and heart

Unto His faithful care;
This done, our steps are safe and sure,

Our hearts' desires are rendered pure,
And naught can pluck us from His hand,
Which leads us to the end.

Christian Renatus von Zinzendorf.
American Moravian Hymn Book,
No. 402, 1.

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