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Hinshaw Music, 2009

How Firm A Foundation was first published in America with this tune in the 1830s, and was one of the most commonly sung hymns of the Civil War era. The text first asks, what stronger foundation can God give to His children who flee to Him for protection, than the precious promises of His Word? Stanza after stanza then affirms these promises of protection and comfort.

Robert E. Lee requested that this hymn be sung at his funeral. (It was a favorite of Andrew Jackson and Theodore Roosevelt, as well.) Perhaps the most moving American historical idea, however, is the thought of the countless soldiers, fighting on both sides of the Civil War, who would have known this popular hymn and clung to its promises on the battlefield. This setting is inspired by that thought, and therefore uses a musical style which evokes the 19th century American folk hymn tradition.

May be performed with piano, with piano and organ (improvised), or with full orchestral accompaniment, available from Hinshaw.

Also available for TTBB.

Tags: American, Folk, Worship

Instrumentation: Piano, Orchestra