This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Hail to the Chief
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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Hail to the Chief by Ebenezer Prout — Lyrics
Hail to the Chief who in triumph advances!
Honoured and blessed be the evergreen Pine!
Long may the tree, in his banner that glances,
Flourish, the shelter and grace of our line!
Heaven send it happy dew,
Earth lend it sap anew,
Gaily to bourgeon and broadly to grow,
While every Highland glen
Sends our shout back agen,
'Roderich Vich Alpine dhu, ho! ieroe!'
Ours is no sapling, chancesown by the fountain,
Blooming at Beltane, in winter to fade;
When the whirlwind has stripped every leaf on the mountain,
The more shall ClanAlpine exult in her shade.
Moored in the rifted rock,
Proof to the tempest's shock,
Firmer he roots him the ruder it blow;
Menteith and Breadalbane, then,
Echo his praise again,
'Roderich Vich Alpine dhu, ho! ieroe!'
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About Hail to the Chief
Ebenezer Prout's Hail to the Chief is a robust setting of a well-known English text. Scored for SATB choir, the music reflects the triumphant and declarative nature of the lyrics, which speak of strength, endurance, and the flourishing of a noble lineage. The part-writing is generally straightforward, allowing the choral forces to project the stirring sentiments of the words with clarity and power. The piece is a fine example of secular part-song writing, suitable for occasions that call for a grand and uplifting choral statement.
