Hark the glad sound! the Saviour comes

This is the 13th entry in the Advent-Hymn-of-the-Day Project.

Today's hymn has words written by the same author, Philip Doddridge (1702-1751) who wrote the words for "Sound the trumpet".

Once again, EdoL has already uploaded a FINE version of this hymn. THANK YOU, Edo for doing these great hymn uploads!

The music was composed by Thomas Ravenscroft (c.1588-1635), and this hymn comes from his collection, "Psalms", and dated 1621. The title "Psalms" meaning a collection of "hymns" to be used with the singing of metrical psalms.

We don't know much of his early life, but Ravenscroft probably sang at St. Paul's Cathedral in London, under the direction of Thomas GIles. He received his Mus. B. from Cambridge in 1605.

This performance is done in a "simpler" style. Not a single note has been altered or changed in any way. The name of this tune is "Bristol".

A feature of note is the use of a "faburden" (fauxbourdon) in the third verse. The word means literally, "false bass". This device, which was a common one at the time, places the melody in the tenor voice, while the soprano part is "varied". It's not a descant, as it remains "low" and in the rhythm of the other voices. Modern composers contine to use the technique in compositions. The faburden was also composed by Ravenscroft.

Listen to the wonderful meantone temperament really make those WIDE thirds which sound so great in a key like G Major!

Please note: The intro consists of an entire verse!

Hark the glad sound! the Saviour comes,
The Saviour promised long:
Let every heart prepare a throne,
And every voice a song.

He comes, the prisoners to release
In Satan's bondage held;
The gates of brass before him burst,
The iron fetters yield.

He comes, the broken heart to bind,
The bleeding soul to cure,
And with the treasures of his grace
To bless the humble poor.

Our glad Hosannas, Prince of Peace,
Thy welcome shall proclaim;
And heaven's eternal arches ring
With thy beloved Name.