This edition was prepared by Karol Jaworski — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
First Dirge Anthem (Funeral Sentences)
Staff Notation • Sacred, Anthems, Burial / Funeral Hymns
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3 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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First Dirge Anthem (Funeral Sentences) by Thomas Morley — Lyrics
I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord:
he that believeth in me,
yea, though he were dead,
yet shall he live.
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me
shall never die.
I know that my redeemer liveth,
and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.
And though after my skin, worms destroy this body,
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About First Dirge Anthem (Funeral Sentences)
Thomas Morley's First Dirge Anthem sets familiar words from the Book of Common Prayer for SATB choir. The text offers profound comfort in times of loss, beginning with Christ's promise of resurrection and eternal life. It then moves to the steadfast faith of Job, asserting belief in a personal redeemer and the ultimate triumph of seeing God, even beyond physical decay. The anthem concludes with a stoic acceptance of life's transience, acknowledging that all we receive comes from the Lord and returning thanks in all circumstances. This is a solemn and moving work, appropriate for funeral services or moments of reflection.
