What Wondrous Love Is This Non-US copyright

Composer
Arranger
Difficulty
Moderate radio_button_checked radio_button_checked radio_button_checked radio_button_unchecked radio_button_unchecked
Voicing(s)
SAB
Instrumental Only?
No
Description

SAB with keyboard (middle verse a cappella). Text by Alexander Means.

Notes: Singers need to relax into this melody to achieve the simplicity and folk song character of this piece, but they must sing on the beat and not drag. Remember you are singing about Wondrous love, not any old kind of love. The middle section is harder than it looks and when sung unaccompanied is quite exposed. Practice each line separately, then put two together and then add the third. Altos might have problems pitching bars 37-38. Similarly sopranos will find pitching the top G at bar 60 tricky and will have to rehearse the next phrase several times to build up confidence. The piece ends positively and forte.

Lyrics

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
to bear the dreadful curse for my soul.

to God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing;
to God and to the Lamb, I will sing.
to God and to the Lamb Who is the great “I Am”;
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;
While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on.