The Revival

Voicing: SATB a cappella
Text: Henry Vaughan (1622 - 1695)
Published by: classica Music Publishers

Notes:

The first of the Three Motets on Texts of Henry Vaughan to be completed (1999) and the second number in the group (see elsewhere on this web-site for a discussion and review of the Three Motets). This piece sets a short poem by Vaughan of a decidedly Easter nature, although the text is a long way from any liturgy. The poem is based upon a portion of the Song of Solomon, (2: 11-17) the sensuously beautiful Old Testament chapters often attributed to King Solomon. One correction needs to be made to the published scores of the Motets where it is claimed that all of the three pieces are related to the Song of Solomon. Only The Revival is based upon the Song of Solomon. Apologies for any confusion.

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The Revival

Unfold, unfold! take in his light,
Who makes thy Cares more short than night.
The joys, which with his Day-star rise,
He deals to all, but drowsy Eyes:
And what the men of this world miss,
Some drops and dews of future bliss.
Hark! how his winds have chang’d their note,
And with warm whispers call thee out.
The frosts are past, the storms are gone:
And backward life at last comes on.
The lofty groves in express Joyes
Reply unto the Turtles voice,
And here in dust and dirt, O here
The Lilies of his love appear!                            

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Performed by: The University of Alberta Madrigal Singers, Dr. Leonard Ratzlaff, conductor from their recording My Soul There is a Country (2001)