Introduction, Variations and Finale on "We love the place, O God"

Ernest Alfred Dicks (1865-1948) was an organist in Cheltenham, and also to the Royal Masonic Lodge. I'm sure exactly where this work is taken from, but it was published by Bayley & Ferguson in 1935.

It consists of a brief introduction, a flowing set of variations, and a finale, which is really just a continuation of the variation form.

Textures, dynamics and colors contrast nicely, and the work is very pleasing, and much in the style of many of other hymn preludes by Dicks.

The tune for this hymn is quite well-loved, although it's a very simple tune known as "Quam dilecta." It was composed by the Rev. Jenner, Henry Lascelles Jenner, D.D. (1820-1898), who was educated at Trinity Hall, Cambridge (LL.B. 1841, in honours; D.D. 1867). Taking Holy Orders in 1843, he held several appointments until 1866, when he was consecrated Bishop of Dunedin.

The text of the first verse is as follows:

We love the place, O God,
wherein thine honour dwells;
the joy of thine abode
all earthly joy excels.

This tune is still quite popular, so, I hope that this work may prove useful to at least a few people.

The score, courtesy of Dr. John Henderson, is attached below.

Also attached is a photo of Henry Lascelles Jenner, the composer of the hymn tune.