Anew recording, "The Tabernacle Choir Sings Hymns of Faith," is now in distribution centers and LDS bookstores.
The recording, said choir president Wendell M. Smoot, is unique because it features the choir singing hymns that are strictly in the LDS hymnbook. Other recordings by the choir, he explained, usually include some musical selections that are not in the LDS hymnbook."Hymns of Faith" is available on compact disc and cassette tape.
"One thing that makes this recording special is the hymn, `I Believe in Christ,' " Pres. Smoot explained. "The choir sings the first verse and then there is an organ interlude and a recording of Elder Bruce R. McConkie reading the middle verses of that hymn. Then the choir resumes singing the final verse."
Elder McConkie of the Council of the Twelve and author of the hymn's lyrics read the verses of "I Believe in Christ" in a general conference address. He died on April 19, 1985.
The choir, in "Hymns of Faith" sings in a format that can be used in Church meetings or firesides, explained Pres. Smoot. "It's done how any other choir could do it," he said. "The recording can be used as an example to a ward choir for how a hymn is to be sung. Ward choir members or choristers can listen to the recording to find out about such things as phrasing or tempo.
"It also is a wonderful recording to have in the home; a family or individual can get out their hymnbooks and sing along with the choir. And it's great to listen to when you're alone. It's a very inspiring recording."
"Hymns of Faith" was produced by Bonneville Communications. Tim Doot, vice president of audio productions at Bonneville Communications, said this is the first time the choir has been produced by other than a major record label.
"Pres. Smoot wanted to make recordings of the choir more accessible to members of the Church," Brother Doot said. "Sometimes it's difficult outside Utah to find recordings by the choir. It's already receiving distribution in Europe.
"This is all newly recorded music. It's not a re-release of any previously recorded pieces by the choir. There are a couple of hymns that have not been recorded by the choir. One is I Believe in Christ.' Another isLord, I would Follow Thee.'
"We feel that this is one of the first albums to really capture the sound of the choir in the Tabernacle, where the recording was made. The engineer who recorded it, Loren Ashcraft, has had about eight years' experience recording in the Tabernacle. It was his idea to make this recording. He is listed on the credits as the producer."
Hymns on the new recording are: "All Glory, Laud, and Honor," "The Morning Breaks," "The Lord Is My Shepherd," "Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah," "Glory to God on High," "I Believe in Christ," "Lord, I would Follow Thee," "How Great Thou Art," Come, Come, Ye Saints," "God of Our Fathers, Whose Almighty Hand," "I Need Thee Every Hour," "Love at Home," "For the Strength of the Hills," "Though Deepening Trials," "The Spirit of God," and "Abide with Me; 'Tis Eventide."
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