Hymn Tunes That Are Actually The Same

NE OF THE CHALLENGES we face in creating the St. Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal has to do with hymn tune names. We usually have about fifteen different (authentic) sources for each tune, from which we usually choose the most familiar version—or, in some cases, the most “Catholic” version. But just because a hymn tune has a different name does not ipso facto mean it’s a different melody.

Carefully examine these two melodies:

Look at the bass line, if you don’t see it.

HALTON HOLGATE is also called “SHARON” and JERSEY.

Perhaps the worst offender is “ICH BEGEHR NICHT MEHR,” which has a billion different names (including St. Leonard) and is used with different meters. Needless to say, there are numerous variants, with different passing tones, etc.