Jesu, the very thought of thee - Choir Script PDF Thumbnail
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Edition by James Gibb
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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.

SATB · John Henry Fowler Preview
Composer: Edward Bairstow
Format: Staff
Language: English
Pages: 2 pages
This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.

Jesu, the very thought of thee by Edward Bairstow — Lyrics

Jesus, the very thought of Thee With sweetness fills my breast; But sweeter far Thy face to see, And in Thy presence rest. Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame Nor can the memory find
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About Jesu, the very thought of thee

Edward Bairstow's anthem for SATB voices, Jesu, the very thought of thee, opens with a gentle, flowing melody that establishes the devotional character of the text. The music unfolds with a rich, homophonic texture, allowing the expressive English words to be clearly conveyed. The composer carefully shapes the phrases to reflect the profound sweetness and comfort found in contemplating Jesus. The setting builds subtly, reaching moments of quiet intensity as it explores the joy of seeking and finding the Saviour. This is a deeply felt meditation on faith, offering a serene and uplifting experience for both choir and listeners.