On Jordan’s Bank

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Doctrinal Content

To help remind the children of the role of Saint John the Baptist as herald of the coming of Christ.

Origin of Text

Hymn in Latin by Charles Coffin (1676-1749) a Jansenist, translated into English by the Anglican priest Rev. John Chandler (1806-1876)

Origin of Melody

Hymn tune: Winchester New, adapted from a German tune, “Musicalisches Handbuch” Hamburg, 1690

Musical Analysis

Major key
Time signature – 4/4
Note values – quarter notes
Intervals – ascending and descending 4th, descending half step, descending Major 3rd,
descending minor 3rd

Teaching Recommendations

Rhymes in the poetry help the youngest children memorize the words.
It is not recommended with children who are not yet reading to ask them to sing more than one verse.

Copyright

Melody –  Public Domain

Text –  Public Domain

Location 

See Hymnary.org