The New English Hymnal

The New English Hymnal, published in 1986, serves as a primary hymnal resource used in many Anglican churches across the United Kingdom and beyond. This collection contains 542 hymns, including traditional Anglican standards as well as more contemporary selections. The hymnal retains much of the content from its predecessor, The English Hymnal of 1906, while incorporating new material that reflects developments in 20th-century church music and worship. Musical settings maintain the high standards established in the original hymnal, with arrangements suitable for congregational singing and choral performance. The hymnal organizes content according to the Christian calendar and includes sections for morning and evening worship, saints' days, and various pastoral occasions. This organization, combined with comprehensive indexes, enables worship leaders to select appropriate music for specific liturgical needs. The collection represents the continuing evolution of Anglican musical tradition, balancing preservation of historical hymns with careful incorporation of contemporary expressions of faith. The hymnal stands as a bridge between traditional and modern approaches to congregational worship music.

The New English Hymnal appears to have limited online reader reviews, making it difficult to provide a comprehensive summary of public opinion. The few available reviews indicate: Readers liked: - Traditional hymn selections maintained from older hymnals - Clear musical notation and printing - Durable binding that allows book to stay open - Inclusion of both modern and classical hymns Readers disliked: - Some felt newer hymns were inferior to traditional ones - Text size too small for some users - Price considered high by some purchasers - Paper quality thinner than previous editions Available Ratings: Amazon UK: 4.7/5 (based on 46 reviews) No ratings found on Goodreads Specific Comments: "The binding is excellent - stays flat when open" - Amazon reviewer "Print is rather small for older eyes" - Amazon reviewer "A good mix of old and new, though some modern additions feel forced" - Church Music Quarterly review Note: Most reviews come from church musicians and clergy rather than general readers.

Common Praise by Canterbury Press A comprehensive Anglican hymnal containing traditional and modern hymns with musical notation and liturgical organization similar to The New English Hymnal.

Ancient and Modern by Hymns Ancient & Modern Ltd This collection maintains Anglican musical heritage through centuries of hymns, chants, and service music with detailed annotations and indices.

Hymns for Today's Church by Michael Baughen and Michael Saward The hymnal presents traditional Christian hymns with updated language and contemporary arrangements while preserving theological depth.

The Oxford Book of Carols by Percy Dearmer, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Martin Shaw This collection combines medieval carols, folk songs, and traditional Christmas music with historical notes and arrangements for church use.

Songs of Fellowship by Kingsway Publications The hymnal bridges traditional and contemporary worship music with clear musical notation and thematic organization for church services.

🎵 The New English Hymnal (1986) is a direct descendant of The English Hymnal (1906), which was edited by famous composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. 🎵 This hymnal contains 542 hymns, including several folk melodies that were arranged by notable composers such as Gustav Holst and John Ireland. 🎵 Many of the translations in the hymnal were done by John Mason Neale, who was instrumental in reintroducing medieval church music to Anglican worship. 🎵 The book maintains a strong connection to plainsong traditions, incorporating numerous Gregorian chants adapted for modern congregational use. 🎵 Despite being primarily Anglican, the hymnal has influenced church music beyond denominational boundaries and is used in various Christian traditions worldwide.