Poster Lumina
Lumina sings early-American hymns at Central Presbyterian Church in downtown St. Paul. The singers are, from left, Clara Osowski, Linda Kachelmeier and Angela Grundstad.
MPR
Choral Stream

Listen as Lumina sings rare, early-American hymns

Lumina: Marlon

Listen as Lumina performs three rare, early-American hymns during a recent recording session with Classical MPR at Central Presbyterian Church in downtown St. Paul.

These church songs, which were published before 1861 and then largely forgotten, borrowed melodies from European composers who were popular at the time. The hymns are among a few hundred being revived and archived thanks to the work of University of Minnesota professor Peter Mercer-Taylor and his American Classical Hymns project.

Vocal ensembles such as Lumina are helping to bring these once-neglected hymns back to public awareness.

"As a church choir director, as well as a singer, it was a privilege to be able to give these hymns new life," says Linda Kachelmeier, artistic director for Lumina. "And recording them in such a grand space as Central Presbyterian Church in St. Paul was an extra bonus!"

More:
Early-American hymns live again thanks to University of Minnesota professor
American Classical Hymns project seeks choirs to revive 'lost' pre-1861 music

'Marlon'

"Marlon" was published in The Young Ladies' Choir in 1846 by George F. Root. The tune, which includes piano accompaniment by Jennifer Anderson, comes from Franz Schubert's Trauerwalzer. Download the sheet music

'Bromley'

"Bromley" was published in The Musical Reader in 1819 by Thomas Hastings. The tune comes from Franz Joseph Haydn's Psalm LXIX. Download the sheet music

00:00
0
Lumina: Bromley

'Howell'

"Howell" was published in The Psaltery in 1845 by Lowell Mason and George James Webb. The tune comes from Felix Mendelssohn's Three Motets. Download the sheet music

00:00
0
Lumina: Howell

Credits

Performers: Lumina (Linda Kachelmeier, Angela Grundstad and Clara Osowski) Pianist: Jennifer Anderson

Music: American Classical Hymns project

Filmed March 1, 2021, at Central Presbyterian Church, St. Paul, Minn.

Thanks to Prof. Peter Mercer-Taylor, University of Minnesota, and Jennifer Anderson, Central Presbyterian

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$

Latest Choral Stream Episodes

VIEW ALL EPISODES

Latest Choral Stream Episodes

Listen: St. Olaf Christmas Festival presents 'Promise of Peace' for 2022
59:00
Known MPLS choir director leads a musical quest for community healing

Known MPLS choir director leads a musical quest for community healing

The Minneapolis youth choir Known MPLS is making an impact in song and in community. ‘Known MPLS first and foremost exists to consistently provide a safe space for youth to thrive,’ director Courtland Pickens says. Find out more about these remarkable singers, and watch their performance of ‘Up Above My Head.’

Watch: Voces8 Scholars sing Christmas classics 'Coventry Carol' and 'Sussex Carol'
Cantus: 'I Hear America Singing'

Cantus: 'I Hear America Singing'

The view of one’s life’s work has taken on different meanings in societies and eras across the world. This Labor Day, join Cantus for ‘I Hear America Singing,’ a joyful examination of the role work has played in our lives in years past and how work might evolve into the future. Listen now!

59:00
Christmas With Cantus

Christmas With Cantus

‘Christmas With Cantus’ is a beloved holiday tradition for YourClassical MPR listeners featuring the eight voices of the male vocal ensemble live in concert.

1:30:26
'All Is Bright': Contemplative choral music for Christmas

'All Is Bright': Contemplative choral music for Christmas

'All Is Bright', with host Lynne Warfel, offers an hour of gorgeous, contemplative choral music that tells the traditional Christmas story with songs about angels, the star and the manger scene. Featured artists include Cantus, Chanticleer, Cambridge Singers, Bryn Terfel, Emma Kirkby, Jessye Norman, and a variety of choirs.

59:00
Como Chorus Cascade brings Minnesota choirs together in St. Paul
With a choral project and new orchestral album, Louis Cole pulls magic out of the air
8:17
Gospel choir tells story of house music with reimagined dance classics
8:17
Celebrate Earth Day with the Choral Arts Ensemble's 'The Wisdom of Nature'
59:00
VIEW ALL EPISODES

This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment‘s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.