Metrical Index of Tunes

The Hymnal 1982 Accompaniment Edition, Vol. 2 (pp. 1039-1044) contains a Metrical Index to hymns in The Hymnal 1982. This tool enables use of texts which otherwise might not be usable because the tune linked with the text is unfamiliar or too difficult, or is not suitable for the available instruments, or is beyond the abilities of the instrumentalists. Tunes in this index are categorized according to the number of syllables in each line. The metrical pattern of each hymn is printed under it on the right-hand side of the page in the hymnal. A person searching for a more useful tune finds the metrical pattern printed under the hymn and then turns to the same category in the Metrical Index. However, each pairing must be tested to see if accents are right and if the mood of text and tune are compatible.