Who composed I call and cry to thee, O Lord?

I call and cry to thee, O Lord was composed by Thomas Tallis.

What language is I call and cry to thee, O Lord sung in?

I call and cry to thee, O Lord is sung in English.

I call and cry to thee, O Lord by Thomas Tallis — Lyrics & Sheet Music (PDF)

Q: What are the lyrics of I call and cry to thee, O Lord by Thomas Tallis?

“I call and cry to thee, O Lord” begins: I call and cry to thee, O Lord. Give ear unto my plaint.… Read the full lyrics on ChoirPDFs.

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SATBB|SATBarB

Edition by Adrian Wall

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Added Jul 31, 2026

2 editions of this piece

Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.

SATBB|SATBarB · Michael Gibson Preview

Composer: Thomas Tallis

Format: Staff

Language: English

Pages: 5 pages

This edition was prepared by Adrian Wall — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.

I call and cry to thee, O Lord by Thomas Tallis — Lyrics

I call and cry to thee, O Lord. Give ear unto my plaint. Bow down thine eyes and mark my heavy plight, and how my soul doth faint.

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About I call and cry to thee, O Lord

This powerful SATBB anthem by Thomas Tallis opens with a sense of deep supplication. The imitative interplay between the five voice parts immediately establishes a mood of earnest entreaty, gradually building in intensity as the text unfolds. The English lyrics, drawn from a penitential psalm, express profound regret and a plea for divine mercy. Tallis masterfully crafts the vocal lines to convey the weight of the singer's confession and their desperate hope for forgiveness. The harmonic language is rich and expressive, characteristic of the English Renaissance sacred tradition, making this a compelling and moving work for any choir seeking to explore the profound depths of faith and repentance.