Why Organize by
Hymn Tunes?

The first reason to organize by hymn tunes rather than their common titles (such as HAMBURG instead of When I Survey the Wondrous Cross) is that many tunes are associated with multiple texts. HYFRYDOL is popularly associated with the text Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus, but it is equally as well known (at least in the Anglican community) as one of the tunes that carry the words Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.

A second, considerably more important reason, is copyright law. Texts, tunes, and translations are all subject to copyright. For instance, if I upload an arrangement of the hymn tune CRANHAM, it is considered public domain. However, if I upload the same arrangement and title it In the Bleak Midwinter (the text most commonly associated with that tune), it becomes what’s known as a “derivative work” because that text is under copyright.

Simply, I organize my site by hymn tune because it enables me to keep the resource free and legal.

If you’re unsure of the tune name of your favorite hymn, you can look it up here.