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Great God, who, hid from mortal sight
Staff Notation • Sacred, Hymns
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Great God, who, hid from mortal sight by Joseph Barnby — Lyrics
Great God, who, hid from mortal sight,
Dost dwell in unapproachèd light,
Before whose throne with veilèd brow,
Thy sinless angels trembling bow.
A while in darkness here below
We lie oppressed with sin and woe;
But soon the everlasting day
Shall chase the night of gloom away.
The day prepared for us by Thee;
The day reserved for us to see;
A day but faintly imaged here
By brightest sun at noontide clear.
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About Great God, who, hid from mortal sight
Joseph Barnby's anthem opens with a broad, noble melody sung by the choir, soon joined by the sopranos in a higher register. The SATB voices then engage in flowing, imitative passages, reflecting the text's contemplation of divine light and human struggle. The English words speak of the soul's yearning for eternal day, escaping the 'load of sin' to 'see Thee, love Thee, and adore' in God's presence. Barnby's setting is devotional, building towards moments of powerful affirmation, especially in the more exultant sections that anticipate the soul's liberation and eternal bliss. It is a heartfelt expression of faith and hope, suitable for a solemn occasion.
