Hearken Unto Me Ye Holy Children (Maurice Greene)

"Hearken Unto Me, Ye Holy Children" is an anthem composed by Maurice Greene in 1728. The first performance was probably given on 1 March 1728 at the King's College Chapel, Cambridge; however there is some conjecture that the actual first performance date was 25 April 1728 (to coincide with King George II's visit).

A typical performance takes about 17 minutes.

Voices

Movements

The work has the following movements:

Movement Type Voice Text Source
1 Solo Countertenor Hearken unto me, ye holy children:
bud forth as a rose growing
by the brooks of the field.
Give a sweet savour as frankincense,
and flourish as the lilies.
Sing a song of praise,
bless the Lord in all His works.		 Sirach 39, 13-14
2 Chorus Magnify His name,
and shew forth His praise
with the songs of your lips and with harps.		 Sirach 39, 15
3 Chorus And in praising Him you shall say:
blessed be the Lord God of our fathers,
who hath put such a thing into the king's heart;
to build this house and set up
a holy temple to the Lord,
which was prepar'd for everlasting glory.		 Sirach 39, 15;
Ezra 7, 27;
Sirach 49, 12
4 Solo Tenor To be a father to the fatherless;
to feed them with the bread of understanding,
and give them the waters of wisdom to drink.		 Sirach 4, 10;
Sirach 15, 3
5 Duet Countertenor
and Tenor		 Therefore shall he receive a glorious kingdom
and a beautiful crown from the hand of the Lord.		 Wisdom of Solomon 5, 16
6 Recitative Bass How is he numb'red
among the children of God,
and his lot is among the saints.		 Wisdom of Solomon 5, 5
7 Solo Bass His name shall endure for ever;
His name shall remain under the sun
among the posterities,
which shall be blessed through him.		 Psalm 72, 17
(Book of Common Prayer)
8 Chorus Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers,
who hath put such a thing into the king's heart;
to build this house and set up
a holy temple to the Lord,
which was prepared for everlasting glory.
Hallelujah, Amen.		 Ezra 7, 27;
Sirach 49, 12