SCHUMANN
SCHUMANN is one of many hymn tunes arranged by Lowell Mason (PHH 96). He first published the arrangement in Cantica Laudis (1850), a collection he edited with George J. Webb (PHH 559). First called WHITE, the tune was marked “Arr. from Schumann” and was thus ascribed to the German composer Robert A. Schumann. 441 THE PSALMS, BIBLE SONGS, AND HYMNS Although Clara Schumann doubted that it came from her husband’s music, the tune’s name derives from that early association with Schumann’s name. SCHUMANN builds to an effective climax in its final line—the first line is unfortunate ly broken into two short phrases, but sensitive organists and singers will try to tie these into one long line. Try antiphonal singing or a combination of unison and harmony stanzas when singing the entire hymn. [Liturgical Use] As an offertory hymn (st. 1 and 2 also make a fine choral response at the offertory, but do not overuse); as a post-sermon hymn in conjunction with stewardship themes.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: God's Word as divine seed: planted in human hearts (1-2), assured of efficacy (3), culminating in eschatological vindication (4). Movement from present sowing through divine promise to final harvest.