Hail the day that sees Him rise

Tomorrow, Thursday, May 5th, is Ascension Day, and this hymn is offered as an example of a grand opening hymn, used either as a "festival entrance" hymn, or for use during an actual liturgical procession.

The melody is named "Ascension," and was composed in 1861 by William Henry Monk (1823-1889) who also gave us others like "Abide with me."

This tune USED to be in common use for this text, but has since been eclipsed by the more popular "Llanfair."

I chose this melody in particular, as it is the same tune that Healey Willan used in the organ piece I just uploaded.

I've done all seven of the verses, the magnificent words by Charles Wesley (1707-1788) and Charles Cotterill (1770-1823).

I played it in full "cathedral style," with the tempo chosen as I would do it in a church filled with over 500 people, and a LONG processional space to fill with music. It may seem slow when you just "sit and listen," so, you sort of have to put yourself in the "liturgical moment," and imagine that you are there, as opposed to just sitting an listening to a long hymn.

The final verse has a free accompaniment, largely by T. Tertius Noble (1867-1953), organist of Ely Cathedral, York Minster, and finally of St. Thomas Church in New York City.

I've given the full text in the First Comment.

Photos of W. H. Monk and T. T. Noble are attached below.