SP5042
Evening Prayer
Glory to Thee, my God, this night
Music: Sheena Phillips, Words: Thomas Ken (1637–1711)
Voicing: SATB divisi
Performance time approx: 5m 20s
Range S: d' – g'' / A: a – e'' / T: d – f'# / B: F – c'#
Price code: E
Complexity:
Thomas Ken’s words (which are often sung to the tune of the Tallis canon) are given a new setting here: a pentatonic tune which appears first over bell-like choral tolling and is then sung in harmony by the full choir. A passage in which the sopranos sing part of the traditional English bell-ringing pattern Stedman’s Triples leads to a joyful (and partly aleatoric) section based on the tune of Tallis’s canon. Overall, the piece builds from quiet reflection to ardent praise, before turning inwards again at the end.
The recording is by Icosa Choir, directed by Luke Mather.
Glory to Thee, my God, this night,
For all the blessings of the light!
Keep me, O keep me, King of kings,
Beneath Thine own almighty wings.
Forgive me, Lord, for Thy dear Son,
The ill that I this day have done,
That with the world, myself, and Thee,
I, ere I sleep, at peace may be.
O may my soul on Thee repose,
And with sweet sleep mine eyelids close,
Sleep that may me more vigorous make
To serve my God when I awake.
When in the night I sleepless lie,
My soul with heavenly thoughts supply;
Let no ill dreams disturb my rest,
No powers of darkness me molest.
O when shall I, in endless day,
For ever chase dark sleep away,
And hymns divine with angels sing,
All praise to thee, eternal King?
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Thomas Ken