This edition was prepared by David R. King — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Benedictus|{{NoCo|The Great Service
Staff Notation • Sacred, Morning Canticles
Preview
0
0
Subscribed as
Want Sunday picks sent to another address too?
Free weekly email
Your choir should not be left out in what's trending
Sunday mass selections, psalms, and trending songs in your area — straight to your inbox.
Benedictus|{{NoCo|The Great Service by William Byrd — Lyrics
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed, and redeemed his people;
And hath raised up a mighty salvation for us: in the house of his servant David.
As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets: which have been since the world began;
That we should be saved from our enemies: and from the hand of all that hate us;
To perform the mercy promised to our forefathers: and to remember his holy Covenant;
To perform the oath which he sware to our forefather Abraham:
that he would give us, that he would give us;
That we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies: might serve him without fear;
in holiness and righteousness before him: all the days of our life.
Read full lyrics
About Benedictus|{{NoCo|The Great Service
William Byrd's Benedictus, from his Great Service, sets a passage from the Gospel of Luke. The text expresses profound gratitude for God's deliverance and the fulfillment of his promises. It speaks of salvation raised up from the line of David, fulfilling ancient prophecies and covenants. The choir of eight voices (SSAAATTBB) in this arrangement allows for rich, resonant textures, ideal for contemplating the text's themes of security, freedom from enemies, and the lifelong service of God in holiness and righteousness. This setting would serve as a powerful and moving addition to a service of Morning Canticles.
