This edition was prepared by Barry Johnston — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Acton
Staff Notation • Sacred
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2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
SATB · Barry Johnston
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Acton by Abraham Wood — Lyrics
Vain man, thy fond pursuits forbear;
Repent; thy end is nigh,
Death at the farthest can't be far;
Oh, think before thou die!
Reflect, thou hast a soul to save,
Thy sins how high they mount!
What are thy hopes beyond thy grave?
How stands that dark account!
Death enters, and there's no defense,
His time there's none can tell,
He'll in a moment call thee hence,
To heaven or to hell.
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About Acton
Abraham Wood crafts a powerful SATB setting of an English sacred text, opening with a compelling musical urgency that reflects the gravity of the words. The composer immediately establishes a sense of deep contemplation, drawing the listener into the serious message. The music builds, supporting the lyrical journey from a plea for vain man to cease his earthly pursuits and consider his mortality, to the stark reality of death and judgment. The choir's voices interweave, sometimes in unison to emphasize key pronouncements, at other times in rich harmony to convey the profound spiritual themes of repentance, the soul's salvation, and the ultimate mercy offered through the gospel. This is a deeply reflective anthem that calls for introspection.
