This edition was prepared by Barry Johnston — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Jerusalem
Staff Notation • Sacred
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2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
SATB · Barry Johnston
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Jerusalem by William Billings — Lyrics
All is hush, the battle's o'er!
Darkness reigns in purple gore;
Each intelligence intent
Trembling waits the great event.
All are in suspense –
Here I'll stay, nor wander hence,
'Till the dayspring from on high
Speaks, who gained the victory.
See, a gleam of light appears!
Combats now my hope and fears;
Now the heavenly glory's come;
O! who darts from yonder tomb,
Covered all with blood,
Pale and wounded? 'Tis my God!
'Tis the Man who conquering fell,
Dying, vanquished death and Hell!
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About Jerusalem
William Billings sets a powerful English text in this SATB anthem. The music opens with a hushed, dramatic depiction of the aftermath of battle, the voices building in suspense as they await a momentous event. The text then shifts to the dawning of hope with the appearance of Christ, resurrected and triumphant over sin and death. Billings masterfully uses the choir to portray the struggle between fear and dawning belief, culminating in a powerful affirmation of victory. The energetic setting reflects the text's message of redemption and the violent, yet victorious, taking of heaven. This is a stirring piece for choir, full of dramatic contrast and theological depth.
