Hark the glad sound! the Saviour comes

Today is Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western Church, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, many Lutheran Churches, and other mainline Protestant churches. It can fall on any date from 11 December to 17 December. The day takes its common name from the Latin word Gaudete ("Rejoice"), the first word of the introit of this day's Mass.

On this day, the liturgical color changes from the "somber" purple, to a "brighter" rose color, so, the Sunday is often called "Rose Sunday."

It is also signified by the one rose-colored candle in an Advent wreath (see picture).

The hymn, "Hark the glad sound!" was composed by Thomas Ravenscroft (c. 1588-1635), an English musician, theorist and editor, notable as a composer of rounds and catches, and especially for compiling collections of British folk music.

Little is known of Ravenscroft's early life. He probably sang in the choir of St. Paul's Cathedral from 1594, when a Thomas Raniscroft was listed on the choir rolls and remained there until 1600 under the directorship of Thomas Giles. He received his bachelor's degree in 1605 from Cambridge.

The hymn-tune, which is named "Bristol", includes a "faburden," which sets the tune in the tenor. This version is used for the 2nd of the 4 verses.

The text is by Philip Doddridge (1702-1751), a non-conformist minister and academic, who had an interesting life and career, influencing many students, not only in religion, but in philosophy and science as well.

The score is attached below, as well as photo of a sculpture of Ravenscroft, and a drawing of Doddridge. The photo of a home Advent wreath, showing the rose candle, is also attached.

The full text is given in the First Comment.

This is the last of my "Advent uploads".

Although I try to observe the liturgical calendar, tomorrow begins the "Christmas uploads," with a great variety of pieces this year, including several large English carol fantasies. :-)