Language: English
Use: Lent
Ensemble: SATB (div.)
Accompaniment: a cappella
Duration: 4.0 minutes
Page Count: 7
Catalog Number: NWC-171
Available from J. W. Pepper.
A haunting arrangement capturing the spirit of the early American tune by William Billings (1746-1800). This harmonized setting is for SATB, with sections of 4-part women and 4-part men, weaving the melody into the inner voices. Effective during Lent and Holy Week, also appropriate as a general anthem, during communion, as a choral meditation, or on a concert featuring American music.
Text:
When Jesus wept, the falling tear
in mercy flowed beyond all bound;
when Jesus groaned, a trembling fear
seized all the guilty world around.
--William Billings (1746-1800)
O let my name engraven stand
Both on thy heart and on thy hand;
Seal me upon thine arm, and wear
That pledge of love for ever there.
--Isaac Watts (1674-1748)