In The Cross Of Christ I Glory

Grade Level 3

Year: 2006

Type: Bb/C Solo

Composer: James Curnow

Program Notes:

This hymn first appeared under the title “The Cross of Christ” in a collection by the author John Bowring (1792-1878) in 1825 and was based on the words of Paul, “Far be it for me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14).  According to the composer Ithamar Conkey (1815-1867), the tune was named in tribute to Mrs. Beriah S. Rathburn (Tune: Rathburn), the soprano soloist in the composer’s choir, who was the only one to show up one rainy Sunday morning.

The hymn, combined with some of the arranger’s own original material, features a two-verse setting.

American Instrumental Ensemble Series (AIES/ABES)