Description
The Welsh hymn tune, BRYN CALFARIA, forms the basis of this strong anthem by William Witherup. Both texts, "Look, Ye Saints the Sight Is Glorious" and "Lord, Entrhoned in Heavenly Splendor," are especially appropriate for Ascension and the feast of Christ the King, and the latter text also for use at communion. The work is largely in unison and two parts, and includes an extended fugal organ interlude.
Anthem texts
Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious;
see the man of sorrows now;
from the fight returned victorious,
every knee to him shall bow:
crown him, crowns become the victor's brow.
Crown the Saviour, angels, crown him;
rich the trophies Jesus brings:
in the seat of power enthrone him,
while the vault of heaven rings:
crown him, crown the Savior king of kings.
Sinners in derision crowned him,
mocking thus the Savior's claim;
saints and angels crowd around him,
own his title, praise him name:
crown him, spread abroad the victor's fame.
Hark, those bursts of acclamation!
Hark, those loud triumphant chords!
Jesus takes the highest station;
O what joy the sight affords!
Crown him, crown the King of kings, and Lord of Lords!
Alleluia!
-Thomas Kelly
Alternate text:
Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendor,
first-gebotten from the dead.
Thou alone, our strong defender,
liftest up thy people's head.
Alleluia! Jesus, true and living bread!
Here our humblest homage pay we,
here in loving reverence bow;
here for faith's discernment pray we,
lest we fail to know thee now.
Alleluia! Thou art here, we ask not how.
Paschal Lamb, thine offering finished
once for all when thou was slain,
in its fulness undiminished
shall for evermore remain.
Alleluia! Cleansing us from every stain.
Life-imparting heavenly Manna,
smitten Rock with streaming side,
heaven and earth with loud hosanna
worship thee, the Lamb who died.
Alleluia! Risen, ascended, glorified!
Alleluia!
-George Hugh Bourne, 1874
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