Sir
Hubert Parry's great anthem I Was Glad was written for the Coronation of Edward VII in 1902. Scored for SSATTB, two choirs in counterpoint,
and an optional boys choir, it was very well received at the time, and became an
immediate big hit with all choral societies, church choirs and other choirs. It
has been sung at the Coronations of English monarchs since, and has remained a
favourite with musicians, singers, and audiences to this day. It takes its
libretto from Psalm cxxii, verses 1-3, 6, 7. Scholars will note the slight
artistic liberties taken by the librettist.
If
you get the opportunity to sing it in a choir, or listen to a live
performance of this majestic work, don't miss it, you can't fail to enjoy it.
Here is our arrangement of this Edwardian masterpiece. We have omitted the
optional 'Vivat Reginas!' (written for the Queen's Scholars of Westminster
School) in the middle. We hope you will like it
sufficiently to get a copy and sing along (or maybe just rest back and immerse
yourself in Hubert's glorious music) . . .
I Was
Glad
I was
glad,
Glad when they said unto me,
We will go into the house of the Lord.
Our feet shall stand in thy
gates,
O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is builded as a city,
That is at unity in itself.
O pray
for peace of Jerusalem,
They shall prosper that love thee.
Peace
be within thy walls,
And plenteousness within thy palaces.
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LHS . . .