Lyke Wake Dirge/Idumea

Two plaintive tunes played on a bowed psaltery. This is an instrument designed to set teeth on edge and shatter glassware. I know ... the sound is not to everyone's taste. If I sang the words, you'd slit your wrists!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• lyke wake dirge
• idumea
• bowed psaltery

[sanjuancb]

No need for anti-depressants! Idumea actually ends on a positive note (though you don't hear the end of this song sung very often):

"Show me the way to shun Thy dreadful wrath severe,

That when Thou comest on Thy throne I may with joy appear.

Thou art Thyself the way! Thyself in me reveal.

So shall I spend my life's short day obedient to Thy will.

So shall I love my God because He first loved me

And praise Thee in Thy bright abode to all eternity.

[nolicnotrut]

@sanjuancb Thank you.

I am more cheerful now!

I have never come across those closing verses before.

So, who wrote this thing?

I've seen Wesley credited, but I remain dubious.

[sanjuancb]

This is excellent and those are two of my favorite tunes! Excellent song choices!

[nolicnotrut]

@sanjuancb You are very kind.

Thank you.

They are very sombre tunes/songs.

Can I sell you some of my spare anti-depressants?!

[jlewis31510]

That is good! It's the first time I've ever heard one. I'll do some reading on them. Are they difficult to learn to play?

[nolicnotrut]

Thanks. No, I didn't find it difficult.

Imagine a piano. The white notes are on the right. The accidentals (black notes) are on the left. Usually they are marked on the soundboard. I bought mine from Hobgoblin UK - about £100.

[jlewis31510]

Thanks. I'll do some hunting around here in the States for availability.

[nolicnotrut]

Thanks for that.

Not exactly joyful music, but I think they are tunes that suit this bizarre instrument.

I'll have it in tune for my next offering!

Good wishes,

Colin.

[gresiu7]

HeLLo MY FRIENd WHY haven`t this me this piece of master work *****

chEErs from AMSTERDAM

next TIME maiL me PLease what`s NEW