This edition was prepared by Barry Johnston — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Athens
Staff Notation • Sacred
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4 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
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Athens by Oliver Holden — Lyrics
Had I the tongues of Greeks and Jews,
And nobler speech than angels use,
If love be absent, I am found,
Like tinkling brass, an empty sound.
Were I inspired to preach and tell
All that is done in heaven and hell;
Or could my faith the world remove,
Still I am nothing without love.
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About Athens
This STB setting of a well-known English text is suitable for services or concerts, particularly during seasons of reflection. The composer Oliver Holden sets words that explore the paramount importance of love, contrasting it with other noble aspirations such as eloquence, knowledge, faith, charity, and martyrdom. The text emphasizes that without love, all such achievements and sacrifices are ultimately meaningless. Holden’s music aims to capture the profound spiritual message of the lyrics, offering a thoughtful and expressive anthem for mixed voices. The SATB voicing is accessible, making it a practical choice for many choirs seeking meaningful sacred repertoire.
