The Glory of These Forty Days

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Composer
Josquin des Prez
Difficulty
Moderately Easy radio_button_checked radio_button_checked radio_button_unchecked radio_button_unchecked radio_button_unchecked
Voicing(s)
SATB
Instruments
Unaccompanied [a cappella]
Category
Anthems
Instrumental Only?
No
Description

SATB (optional accompaniment). Originally the ending verse of Josquin's beautiful Ave Maria. A nice example of Josquin's style, this little piece employs a canon at the fourth between the soprano and tenor voices. A wonderful Ash Wednesday/beginning of Lent piece.

Audio
Lyrics

The glory of these forty days,

We celebrate with songs of praise;

For Christ, by Whom all things were made,

Himself has fasted and has prayed.

So grant us, Lord, to willing be

Full oft in fast and prayer with Thee;

Our spirits strengthen with Thy grace,

And give us joy to see Thy face.

O Father, Son, and Spirit blest,

To thee be ev'ry prayer addressed,

Who art in threefold Name adored,

From age to age, the only Lord.