Unfortunately, our post on today’s Featured Recording here on URC Psalmody finds itself cut short for lack of time. Not to worry, however; the Psalter Hymnal Handbook available online at Hymnary.org provides a fascinating background story to today’s selection. “I Lift Up Mine Eyes to the Mountains,” a beautiful and unique versification of Psalm 121, was created specifically for the blue Psalter Hymnal (number 261). Here’s the Psalter Hymnal Handbook’s explanation of this psalm setting and the choice of its tune name, LUZON:
Dick L. Van Halsema composed LUZON in 1954. The tune was published with the Zylstra text in the 1959 Psalter Hymnal on whose committee both writer and composer served. Zylstra and Van Halsema also served together as United States servicemen stationed on the Philippine island of Luzon at the end of World War II (hence the name of this tune). At that time both men experienced the truth of Psalm 121 in their lives.
The tune and harmonization make use of repeated tones and pedal points to portray the stability and dependability of God’s care; the final phrase of the melody originally repeated one note throughout. The E-flat chord in the third line provides a delightful touch of color. LUZON is suitable for either unison or harmony singing. Maintain one pulse per measure.
Below is a recording of the congregation of Grace Reformed Church (URCNA) in Dunnville, Ontario, singing Psalter Hymnal number 261. How assuring it is to be protected by the Lord who “nods not, nor slumbers, nor sleeps”!
–MRK
URC Psalmody 
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