Ascention - Perusal score

Anthem written for the Oxford Girls Choir, directed by Richard Vendome, in 1996, in memory of the composer’s uncle, priest and historian of the Caribbean country of Haiti, David Nicholls (1936-1996).

Oxford Girls' Choir, directed by Penelope Martin-Smith with Richard Vendome (organ)

Text Ascension - part 7 from John Donne’s Divine Poem: La Corona

Salute the last and everlasting day,
Joy at th' uprising of this Sun, and Son,
Ye whose just tears, or tribulation
Have purely wash'd, or burnt your drossy clay.
Behold, the Highest, parting hence away,
Lightens the dark clouds, which He treads upon ;
Nor doth He by ascending show alone,
But first He, and He first enters the way.
O strong Ram, which hast batter'd heaven for me !
Mild Lamb, which with Thy Blood hast mark'd the path !
Bright Torch, which shinest, that I the way may see !
O, with Thy own Blood quench Thy own just wrath ;
And if Thy Holy Spirit my Muse did raise,
Deign at my hands this crown of prayer and praise.

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