Bach Choir of Bethlehem, Christopher Jackson, 8 Dec 2024, First Presbyterian Church, Bethlehem, PA
Score video
Jesus, Call Thou Me. SATB (opt. descant) hymn, 2′, 2024. Commissioned by the Bach Choir of Bethlehem, Christopher Jackson, Artistic Director and Conductor. Premiered 7 Dec 2024, First Presbyterian Church, Allentown, PA, and 8 Dec 2024, First Presbyterian Church, Bethlehem, PA.
Christopher Jackson programmed The Consolation of Apollo for the Bach Choir’s December 2024 Christmas concerts, since Apollo 8, the protagonist of the work, you might say, circled the moon on Christmas Eve, 1968. He also asked if I would like to be the second commissioned composer of his young stint leading the choir, to produce a Christmas carol or hymn for them. It was to be music easily sung by an audience.
Of course I was delighted and found the Moravian hymn “Jesus, Call Thou Me” by Adam Drese (1620–1701). On his hymn text I composed new music, in the warm key of D-flat major. I also added an optional descant and wrote out parts for a small string orchestra. The strings were available because Christopher had the idea to add them to the Consolation mix, an idea I found fascinating and agreed to supply.
The hymn was printed in the program and sung at the concert by choir and audience. The name of the tune I chose from the Bach Choir’s office address: Heckewelder Place.
Anyone wishing to have a look at the hymn for use in their church (without and/or without descant), just let me know and I’ll send it along.
1. Jesus, call thou me
from the world to thee;
speed me ever, stay me never;
Jesus, call thou me.
2. Not Jerusalem—
lowly Bethlehem
’twas that gave us Christ to save us;
not Jerusalem.
3. Favored Bethlehem!
honored is that name;
thence came Jesus to release us;
favored Bethlehem!
4. Wondrous Child divine!
warm this heart of mine;
keep it burning, for thee yearning,
wondrous Child divine!
5. Jesus, call thou me
from the world to thee;
speed me ever, stay me never;
Jesus, call thou me.