Music Matters

April 2010

Hymn Indexes – What Are They Good For?

Have you ever wondered what the value is of the various indexes in the back of a hymnal? The one that is the most often used is the listing of first lines; its use is pretty obvious. But what about the rest?

There are several options. Not all denomination’s hymnals will have all these indexes, but it’s helpful to know about them.

Authors, Translators, and Sources – This index is just what it says it is—a listing of the people involved with the words of the hymns. Usually it includes the birth and death dates of the individuals. Some hymnals identify hymns written by a member of the denomination. This information can be helpful in finding other hymns written by a specific author creating a worship service / hymn festival focused on hymns by a specific writer locating hymns written by members of the denomination (if that information is so identified)
Composers, Arrangers, and Sources – This index is the musical version of the one above. It can be helpful in locating other tunes created by a specific composer locating hymn tunes written by members of the denomination (if that information is so identified)
These two indexes have another important value--finding the copyright holders of texts and tunes so that they can be contacted for permission to reprint their material in bulletins, using in PowerPoints, or any other way you might want to use their material. Not only is it a moral obligation to obtain their permission--it is also a legal requirement, and these indexes can help you and your congregation to make sure that you are staying within legal parameters.
Tune Index – This is a listing of all the tune names used in the hymnal, along with the hymn numbers where they can be found. Sometimes there will be an indication of the key the tune is written in, if it is found in two or more different keys. This can be helpful in seeing if a particular tune is written in a lower or higher key to make it easier to sing
Metric Index – This index is the most confusing to many people. Each hymn has a specific meter, created by the number of syllables in each line of the hymn text. For example, a hymn with an index of 5.5.6.5 has 5 syllables in the first line, 5 in the second, 6 in the third, and 5 in the fourth. This index is especially helpful in finding alternative tunes for a particular text you may want to use. Simply count the number of syllables per line, and then look in the metric index for a tune with the same number of syllables. HOWEVER, be sure to sing the words through to the alternative tune to make sure that the syllables sing properly and that you’re not singing joyful words (such as “Sometimes a light surprises all Christians while they sing”) to a more somber tune (such as the one we usually use for “O sacred head now wounded!”).
Scripture Index – If there’s a particular scripture you want a service to focus on, this index can help you find hymns that are related to it.
Topical Index – This is another index that can help you find hymns related to a particular subject or service emphasis. Sometimes there will be a “cross-index” or a suggestion to look under another subject besides the one you’ve thought of. Sometimes there will be a general listing of hymn numbers (i.e., look at 211-243) as well as some listed specifically by their first lines.
First Lines – If there is only one index in a hymnal, it will be this one. All the hymns will be listed by their first line (and occasionally by an alternate title if it’s better known that way than by the first line).

Hymnals are valuable worship resources—both for individual as well as corporate worship. Knowing how to use the various indexes can make them even more valuable!

—Pam Robison

If you have suggestions or ideas for future columns, please contact:
Jan Kraybill
Principal Organist
Community of Christ Headquarters
Independence, MO, USA

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