Suggestions for the Organist
The following is generally the way I led the Seraphic Hymn with great effect for a number of years at Trinity U.C.C., East Petersburg, PA. A much simpler performance method, or slight variation on the suggestions that follow, is completely acceptable.
Begin the introduction on the Swell manual on the fourth beat of measure 19 on a full but quiet registration (All manuals coupled: 16', 8', 4' Foundations plus 8' Reed with swell(s) closed).
Play measure 1 on the Swell. Play measure 2 on the Choir or Great. Play measure 3 on the Great, opening swell(s) slightly. Gradually open swell(s) through phrase "Heaven and earth are full" and close swell(s) slightly on word "glory." In the eighth rest in measure 9, add the full resources of the Swell organ and open the swell(s). Close the swell(s) on word "highest" in measure 14.
Play phrase "Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord" on the Swell manual, playing right hand slightly detached, with left hand sustained on tenor A, then B-flat measure 16, then back to A. Let the pedal be played as strict quarter notes (change half notes to quarters), slightly detached, rhythmically driving the phrase forward until beat one measure 17. Open the swell(s) in measure 16 and 17.
Play on the Great from beat 4 measure 17 to the end, closing the swell(s) in measures 21-22 on the word "highest!"
A note on Tempo: I have preferred a tempo of about quarter note equals 80 BPM, though a colleague of mine prefers 60 BPM, accelerating a bit during the phrase "Heaven and earth are full."
-T.D.B.