Eighteenth-century Baptist minister, scholar, and hymn-writer Robert Robinson (1735-1790) wrote the hymn text, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” in 1757 at the age of 22.
In the United States, Robinson’s hymn is typically set to the tune NETTLETON, whose authorship is unclear. Some attribute it to printer John Wyeth, who published it in his Repository of Sacred Music, Part Second (1813); others attribute it to Asahel Nettleton, a popular evangelist of the early nineteenth century who published Village Hymns (1825). However, Village Hymns contained texts only and no music, so there is no evidence that Nettleton actually wrote the tune that carries him name.
This delightful arrangement introduces the tune simply and straightforwardly (Pastorale), then follows with a lyrical variation in 4/4 time, a variation in 5/8 (Giocoso), and a concluding march (Alla Marcia).
Score, parts (Bb tpt. 1, Bb tpt. 2, F horn, tbn, tuba) — $12.99