“This is one mother of a descant (and last verse) for a superb hymn. It is not to be attempted by the foolhardy, as it may result in injury.  Even seasoned ‘descanters’ will find it arduous. The GNU will not be held responsible for resulting damage done. Just listen to the demo track and be terrified. But is the GNU becoming a virtuoso organist playing all these parts at once? Frankly, no. He uses his third hoof for the descants.”

George Martin (not the one who produce the Beatles) wrote the original tune St Helen in 1889. He was the organist at St Paul’s Cathedral, having studied under John Stainer and also wrote a primer on “The Art of Training Choir Boys” which became a standard work on the subject.