April 2025 - "Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise"

Charles Wesley (1707–1788), a co-founder of Methodism alongside his brother John Wesley, was one of the most prolific hymn writers of the 18th century. Known for his theological depth and poetic finesse, Wesley penned over 6,000 hymns during his lifetime. Among his well-known works is the Easter hymn “Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise,” which celebrates the ascension of Christ. Wesley’s hymns often delve into the core tenets of Christian theology, and this particular hymn has become a cherished part of Easter and Ascension Day services.

There are two tunes which are commonly paired with this hymn: “Llanfair” and “Lyra Davidica.” “Llanfair” is a Welsh melody composed by Robert Williams (1781–1821), a blind basket weaver and self-taught musician from Anglesey, Wales. This tune gained prominence after it was published in Hymns Ancient and Modern in the mid-19th century. Its uplifting and triumphant character makes it an ideal match for Wesley’s text, emphasizing the celebration of Christ's victory and ascension.

“Lyra Davidica” originates from an anonymous collection of tunes published in 1708 under the same name. While little is known about the composers of these melodies, the collection played a significant role in early 18th-century church music. The version of “Lyra Davidica” most commonly associated with hymns like “Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise” is a stately processional, adding a sense of grandeur to the text. Both melodies are also paired with another hymn by Wesley entitled “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”.

The arrangement presented here includes both melodies. The intention is to alternate between them with each verse. Here’s a link to a YouTube video that demonstrates this:

Wishing you all the Blessings of Easter!

In music and friendship,

—Tull