My soul, there is a country

Over the last few weeks, a number of members have asked if I would occasionally upload a hymn, and I'm very happy to do so.

I used to observe most all of the days in the Liturgical Calendar, but haven't done so in awhile. I really miss playing hymns, so, if these are enjoyable and/or useful as teaching/learning examples, it pleases me all the more.

This great hymn is a triple winner! The music for the tune, "Christus, der ist mein Leben" is by Melchior Vulpius (c. 1570-1615) with the harmonization by J. S. Bach.

Vulpius was singer of some repute and composer of liturgical music, making most of his career in Weimar. This melody appears in his "Gesangbuch," published in Weimar in 1609.

The splendid text (used here and NOT the original!) is by Henry Vaughan (1621-1695), a Welsh metaphysical author, poet, translator, and physician.

This text was "made famous" by the famous motet by C. H. H. Parry.

In this performance, I've done nothing "fancy." I've observed grammatical phrasing and tried to use registrations to inspire singing.

There is one complete verse of introduction.

The score is attached below, as well as a painting of Henry Vaughan.

The text is as follows:

My soul, there is a country
Far beyond the stars,
Where stands a wing-ed sentry
All skillful in the wars.

There above noise and danger,
Sweet peace sits crowned with smiles,
And one, born in a manger
Commands the beauteous files.

He is thy gracious Friend,
And, O my soul, awake!
Did in pure love descend,
To die here for thy sake.

If thou canst get but thither,
There grows the flower of peace,
The rose that cannot whither,
Thy fortress and thy ease.

Leave then thy foolish ranges,
For non can thee secure
But one who never changes,
Thy God, thy life, thy cure.