O Comforter, Draw Near
The Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 17, 2020
Come down, O Love divine,
seek thou this soul of mine,
and visit it with thine own ardor glowing;
O Comforter, draw near,
within my heart appear,
and kindle it, thy holy flame bestowing.
This beloved hymn was written by Bianco da Siena (c. 1367-1434), an Italian mystic poet. Very little is known of his life, but several of his hymns survive in English translations. The translation by 19th century poet Richard Frederick Littledale in The Hymnal 1982 is an example of the Romantic era's fascination with the Middle Ages. A priest and prolific author, Littledale is best known for this classic hymn.
The tune was composed by the 20th century British composer, Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958). It is named for Vaughan Williams' birthplace and was composed specifically for this text. The Hymnal 1982 Companion notes: "It has a very satisfying rhythmical structure typical of the composer, with the poise of the longer notes in the short lines and the sweep of melody in the long lines 3 and 6."
Hear a recording: Down Ampney
In this Sunday's gospel reading, Jesus tells his disciples: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth..." These words foreshadow the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. We look forward to that celebration as we continue our joyful journey through the Great Fifty Days of Easter.
Music for the Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 17, 2020
Come Down, O Love Divine
Down Ampney, setting by Wilbur Held
Awake, Awake to Love and Work
Morning Song, setting by Wilbur Held
May 17, 2020
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Trinity Cathedral Choir member
John Williamson at Down Ampney
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seek thou this soul of mine,
and visit it with thine own ardor glowing;
O Comforter, draw near,
within my heart appear,
and kindle it, thy holy flame bestowing.
This beloved hymn was written by Bianco da Siena (c. 1367-1434), an Italian mystic poet. Very little is known of his life, but several of his hymns survive in English translations. The translation by 19th century poet Richard Frederick Littledale in The Hymnal 1982 is an example of the Romantic era's fascination with the Middle Ages. A priest and prolific author, Littledale is best known for this classic hymn.
The tune was composed by the 20th century British composer, Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958). It is named for Vaughan Williams' birthplace and was composed specifically for this text. The Hymnal 1982 Companion notes: "It has a very satisfying rhythmical structure typical of the composer, with the poise of the longer notes in the short lines and the sweep of melody in the long lines 3 and 6."
Hear a recording: Down Ampney
In this Sunday's gospel reading, Jesus tells his disciples: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth..." These words foreshadow the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. We look forward to that celebration as we continue our joyful journey through the Great Fifty Days of Easter.
Music for the Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 17, 2020
Come Down, O Love Divine
Down Ampney, setting by Wilbur Held
Awake, Awake to Love and Work
Morning Song, setting by Wilbur Held
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