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O Israel was Arthur's first published piece of music. Written when he was only 13, it rapidly became very popular and was sung by individuals and choirs all over the world. It was published by Novello whilst Arthur was still a chorister at HM Chapel Royal. The libretto is taken from Hosea XIV, 1-2.

Described as a sacred song, it was dedicated to a fellow chorister's mother - Mrs C V Bridgman of Tavistock, Devon. He stayed with them on holiday (and must have enjoyed it). The manuscript is dated 1 September 1855.

How did MusicSmiles know about it, and where did we acquire this gem¹? Well, all that will be revealed in due course. In the meantime . . .

Arthur was considered by his friends, his teachers, and the Queen herself, to be a little gem. He was lovely singer (boy soprano), he was a very accomplished instrumentalist, and was rapidly becoming a composer to be reckoned with. Above all, he was accepted by his peers as a friend and leader.

Arthur took the words from the book of Hosea, chapter XIV, verses 1 and 2, in the Old Testament. This is a fascinating story about love, prostitution, adultery, and forgiveness. Check it out. The song is set in the key of B minor, but rapidly deviates from this and finishes in the relative key of D major. (Music students please comment). It also presents some interesting challenges to accompanists. What an achievement for a 13 year old chorister! But enough of these technicalities; it's lovely isn't it? Feel free to join Arthur in this MusicSmiles' arrangement . . .

O Israel
 . . . Intro . . .

O . . Israel, return, return,
Return unto the Lord thy God:
O Israel, return,
Return unto the Lord thy God;
For thou hast fall'n by Thine iniquity,
Hast fall'n by Thine iniquity.
 . . . Interlude . . .

Take with you words,
And turn to the Lord.
Say unto him,
Take away all iniquity,
Take away all iniquity,
And receive us graciously.
 . . . Interlude . . .

Return to the Lord.
Return to the Lord thy God;
Return O Israel,
Unto the Lord thy God.

1.    Footnote: For further details about the wonderful source of this and other Sullivan Gems, see Paul Howarth in our MusicSmiles bibliography. Return to story.

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