MUSIC. LLANFAIR, also named “Bethel,” is a Welsh hymn tune by Robert Williams, c. 1781-1821, a basket maker. He was born blind, but became a skilled craftsman and a musician of considerable ability.
118. Crown Him with many crowns
Matthew Bridges, 1800-94
Based on Rev. 19:12: “On his head were many crowns.” The hymn mentions a four-fold crowning of Christ, as: (1) Lamb upon His throne; (2) Son of God; (3) Lord of life; (4) Lord of heaven. Two omitted stanzas mention “Lord of peace,” and “Lord of years.”
Matthew Bridges was brought up in the church of England but became interested in the Oxford Movement and entered the Roman Catholic Church in 1848. He was a student of history and wrote The Roman Empire under Constantine the Great. He is also the author of several books of poems. The latter part of his life was spent in the Province of Quebec, Canada.
The hymn was recast by Godfrey Thring to eliminate several obvious Roman tendencies in it.
MUSIC. DIADEMATA, a solid, dignified tune which organists like to play and congregations enjoy singing, was written for this hymn and named after the Latin title given the hymn.
The composer, George Job Elvey, 1816-93, was a gifted organist and composer and a devout Christian. He received the Bachelor of Music and Doctorate in Music from Oxford University and was organist of St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, for 47 years.
119. Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious
Thomas Kelly, 1769-1854