December 18, 2012

Hail, Redeemer, King Divine

King of Love on Calvary

Hail, Redeemer, King Divine was written by Redemptorist, Patrick Brennan (1877-1952). It is sung to the tune St. George's Windsor by English organist and composer Sir George J. Elvey (1816-1895). Another popular setting to the tune Merseyside (see bottom video) was written by Fr. Charles Rigby (1901 – 1952) for the laying of the foundation stone of the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in 1932. An interesting vintage British Pathé news reel of the Solemn Blessing (featuring the singing of Hail, Redeemer, King Divine) can be found here. Because of the ambitious plans (it was to be the world's 2nd largest Cathedral, after St. Peter's) construction was never started. It would not be built until the 1960s, with a new modern design. In the Liturgy of the Hours, Hail, Redeemer, King Divine is used on Palm Sunday and on the Solemnity of Christ the King.


Tune: St. George's Windsor
 

Tune: Merseyside

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