Robert E. Jager

Meditations On An Old Scottish Hymn Tune

Meditations on an Old Scottish Hymn Tune was commissioned by the Nebraska Wesleyan University Wind Ensemble, Dr. Herbert Dregalla, Jr., Conductor. The hymn tine is the 'Old 107th' from the Scottish Psalter of 1565, and this composition treats that tune in a 'free fantasia' style. The hymn tune is first presented by an offstage trumpet to the somber accompaniment of onstage winds and percussion. The procession-like melody is gradually transformed from this dark first statement to one of majesty, and is continued by a pipe organ interruption as a song of praise. Following this, a more plaintive version of the hymn tune is heard, which in turn becomes a fugal alleluia. After a brief climax the music returns to its somber beginnings, but this time with a feeling of hope and purpose. A long crescendo, both in terms of dynamics and instrumentation occurs, and brings the work to a glorious close.Meditations on an Old Scottish Hymn Tune is dedicated to the memory of the composer's parents.