What are the lyrics of Here is the Little Door by Herbert Howells?

“Here is the Little Door” begins: 1.… Read the full lyrics on ChoirPDFs.

Who composed Here is the Little Door?

Here is the Little Door was composed by Herbert Howells.

What language is Here is the Little Door sung in?

Here is the Little Door is sung in English.

Here is the Little Door by Herbert Howells — Lyrics & Sheet Music (PDF)

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SATB

Edition by Stuart McIntosh

2 downloads

Added Jul 31, 2026

Composer: Herbert Howells

Format: Staff

Language: English

Pages: 4 pages

This edition was prepared by Stuart McIntosh — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.

Here is the Little Door by Herbert Howells — Lyrics

1. Here is the little door, lift up the latch, oh lift! We need not wander more, but enter with our gift; Our gift of finest gold. Gold that was never bought or sold; Myrrh to be strewn about his bed; Incense in clouds about His head; All for the child that stirs not in His sleep, But holy slumber hold with ass and sheep.

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About Here is the Little Door

A striking Advent anthem, Herbert Howells's Here is the Little Door sets a challenging text by Imogen Holst. The choir is invited to approach the infant Christ, offering gifts of gold, myrrh, and incense. Howells's SATB setting reflects the text's contrasting moods, moving from the quiet reverence of the stable to the profound and 'terrible and sweet' implications of the Incarnation. The music demands confident singing, with moments of rich harmonic colour and rhythmic vitality. It is a powerful exploration of the dual nature of Christ, both vulnerable infant and divine saviour, and would make a memorable centrepiece for a Christmas carol service or a festive concert programme.