This edition was prepared by John Henry Fowler — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Down Ampney
Staff Notation • Sacred, Hymns
Preview
0
0
2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
SATB · John Henry Fowler
Preview
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.
Down Ampney by Ralph Vaughan Williams — Lyrics
1. Discendi, amor santo,
Visita la mie mente
Del tuo amore ardente.
Si che di te in’ infiammi tutto quanto.
2. Vienne, consolatore.
Nel mio cuor veramente:
Del tuo ardente amore
Ardel veracemente:
Del tuo amor cocente
Si forte sie ferito:
Vada come smarrito
Dentro e di fuore ardendo tutto quanto.
3. Arda si fortemente
Che tutto mi consumi.
Si che veracemente
Lassi mondan costumi:
Li splendienti lumi
Lucenti, illuminanti
Mi stien sempre devanti,
Per li quali mi vesta il vero manto.
4. E ’l manto ch' i' mi vesta
Read full lyrics
About Down Ampney
Ralph Vaughan Williams’ hymn Down Ampney sets a deeply spiritual Italian text, translated into English for a broader audience. The composer, a key figure in 20th-century English music, imbues this setting with a profound sense of devotion. The SATB voicing allows for rich harmonies that underscore the text’s plea for divine love and guidance. The lyrics express a longing for spiritual transformation, asking for the cleansing fire of divine love to consume worldly desires and replace them with holy charity and humility. This sacred work is suitable for services or concerts, offering a contemplative and moving experience for both choir and listeners.
