Here is the logic underlying this site.
Most traditional hymns have a tune name (eg 'cwm Rhondda' is the common tune for 'Guide me O Thou Great Jehovah'), and most English hymnbooks indicate that tune name (and the composer, if known). That tune name is the basis of the 'Hymn Tunes' index.
If there is no tune name, the recordings are identified by first line/composer. The first line for hymns with or without a tune name is the basis of the 'First line of hymns' index.
For many popular hymn tunes, I have recorded several versions and styles (in the case of cwm Rhondda there are three organ versions).
What I have done:
To keep things simple, I have packaged the versions I have recorded of a tune together into one file (a ZIP file) - (like packing clothes into a suitcase). So when you click to download the file, you will get a zip file of all versions - (like putting your suitcase on the conveyor at an airport checkin). On your PC, you unpack the zip file (unzip), and the individual recordings will be separated out (like unpacking your suitcase when you arrive at your destination).
in actual fact, I have used three suitcases - one for Organ, one for piano, and one for band styles.
(For a video explanation of ZIP files I suggest you look at these YouTube videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBIgkmoy4EI and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwITZSfOC3s )
Alternatively, if you are having problems with unzipping the file, I suggest you try the following:
- Download the ZIP file to your computer (right click, and then 'save target as...' )
- Use a free on-line 'unzip service' (see http://wobzip.org, or http://unzip-online.com)
- Download separately the MP3 and other files from the free on-line site.
If you hold the cursor over a lightblue hymn link, it will show the number of files in the package, and the approximate size of the file.
What you need to do first:
To download the file, it is best to 'right click' on the link (in lightblue, background goes yellow and print goes red when your cursor is over it). By right clicking, your browser will give you a small menu, and you select the one that says something like 'save target as...' (each browser has different words).
This will bring up the normal 'Save As..' box and you can then save the zip file in whatever directory on your PC that you choose. (The normal left click will also work, but the file will be save in the default location set in your browser)
You then have to 'unpack' the file. This is normally done by just double clicking on the file (this is standard function on most operating systems, so if you cannot get it to work, read the system 'help' on your PC. ).
You need to select the right version:
Now that you have the various version of that tune on your PC, you need to select the one that suits your needs. Some of the versions will be for other hymn names, but they could be right for your hymn as far as the number of verses are concerned.
If there is no recording that matches your requirements, you can change one of the files by altering the number of verses, pitch or tempo to suit your needs. See the 'Changing the Recordings' page on this site.
So there is a small amount of work for you to do.
In simple terms, you need to:
- Select the tune or hymn that you want.
- Download the ZIP file (by 'right clicking' on the link)
- Unpack (unzip) the file on your computer
- Select and adjust the file (number of verses, tempo, and pitch) to suit your needs.