Die Evangelische Gezangen (1806) in Afrikaanse liedboeke

Abstract

Observing development and metamorphosis of a church song through the ages and the adaptation and inclusion thereof in several hymnals is a fascinating endeavor. It does not only reveal the durability of a song but also reflects something of the culture of the adopting community. One such example concerns the role of Dutch church songs (Gezangen) in Afrikaans hymnbooks. The Evangelische Gezangen (1806) was introduced to congregations in the Cape in 1814 and was also taken inland by the Dutch pioneers (Voortrekkers). Not only did these Gezangen form the backbone of the evangelical hymn corpus in the Dutch Reformed hymnbooks of 1944, 1978 and 2001, but they also display a process of transformation as regards the translation of the texts into Afrikaans (1944 and 2001) and the use of accompanying melodies. In this article the historical development and transformation of the Gezangen (1806) will be observed and described. The focus will be on the translation of the texts and the use of melodies in the Afrikaans hymnbooks of 1944 and 2001. Five of the Gezangen/Gesange will serve as examples.