This edition was prepared by Barry Johnston — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Bedford
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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Bedford by Stephen Jenks — Lyrics
How beauteous are their feet
Who stand on Zion's hill!
Who bring salvation on their tongues,
And words of peace reveal!
How charming is their voice!
How sweet the tidings are!
"Zion, behold thy Savior King;
He reigns and triumphs here."
How happy are our ears
That hear this joyful sound,
Which kings and prophets waited for,
And sought, but never found!
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About Bedford
The text for this SATB anthem, set in English, paints a vivid picture of salvation and peace, celebrating the messengers who bring good news. It speaks of the joy of hearing these tidings and the blessing of witnessing the arrival of the Savior, a moment long awaited by prophets and kings. The music swells as the text describes the 'watchmen' joining their voices in song, with Jerusalem breaking forth and even the deserts learning to rejoice. The composer Stephen Jenks captures this powerful message of divine revelation and universal salvation, culminating in the glorious announcement of the Lord making bare his arm for all the earth to behold.
