Hark, what a sound, and too divine for hearing

Two days ago, Carson Cooman requested this hymn. As it turned out, today was the ONLY day that I had open, so, I was delighted to receive the request!

As it further turned out, this hymn was EXACTLY what my Advent-Hymn-Project needed, as this "type" of hymn, the grandly sweeping tune that impels you onward was missing from the hymns I had chosen.

So, it is with pleasure and friendship that I dedicate this performance to Carson!

The wonderful text was written by Frederick W. H. Myers (1843-1901) in 1867. Myers was an interesting character to put it mildly.

The music was composed by Richard Runciman Terry (1865-1938), who is actually one of my heros!

He was the first Master of the Music at Westminster Cathedral (RC) in London, and founded the choir that would become world famous. This catholic stronghold, thought by many throughout the world as THE best RC music program, maintains the wonderful mix of music as started by Terry - music that is distinctly Catholic, combined with repertoire and to some degree, "style" of the great Anglican choral tradition.

As a composer, Terry is most rememberd for hymntunes, such as this splendid melody (Highwood) and for some small and delightful carols suchas the ever-popular "Myn lyking".

Hark, what a sound, and too divine for hearing,
Stirs on the earth and trembles in the air!
Is it the thunder of the Lord's appearing?
Is it the music of His people's prayer?

Surely He cometh, and a thousand voices
Shout to the saints, and to the deaf and dumb,
Surely He cometh, and the earth rejoices,
Glad in His coming who hath sworn: I come!

This hath He done, and shall we not adore Him?
This shall He do, and can we still despair?
Come, let us quickly fling ourselves before Him,
Cast at His feet the burden of our care.

Yea, through life, death, through sorrow and through sinning,
He shall suffice me, for He hath sufficed:
Christ is the end, for Christ is the beginning,
Christ the beginning, for the end is Christ.