GROSSER GOTT
GROSSER GOTT was set to the German versification in the Katholisches Gesangbuch (see above). Variants of the tune abound; the version found in the Psalter Hymnal came from Johann Schicht’s Allgemeines Choralbuch (1819), and the harmonization came from Conrad Kocher’s setting in his Zions Harfe (1855). William H. Monk’s shortened version of this tune (HURSLEY) is often associated with John Keble’s evening hymn “Sun of My Soul.” A sturdy melody, GROSSER GOTT is in simple bar form (AAB). Sing in parts on stanzas 1-3 and add the descant by Emily R. Brink to unison singing on stanza 4. Use full organ tone with some festive mixtures. Liturgical Use: An opening hymn at Sunday morning worship services (as is traditional for the “Te Deum”); an extended doxology for festive occasions.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From creation's scope (God's majesty and dominion) through the communion of saints (apostolic witness) to Trinitarian doxology (eternal glory)