Of the Father's Love Begotten (Divinum Mysterium)

 

I chose to sing this in key of C rather than Eb. Too much church music is written too high for average voices. When will liturgical publishers get wise re vocal range?

Words: "Corde natus ex Parentis." Marcus A. C. Prudentius, 348-413. Translated by John M. Neale, 1818-1866 and Henry W. Baker, 1821-1877, alt.

Music: from a "Sanctus" trope, Mode V, 11th century. "Piae Cantiones," Greifswald, 1582.

1. Of the Father's love begotten
Ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega,
He the Source, the Ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been,
And the future years shall see
Evermore and evermore.

2. Oh, that birth forever blessed
When the Virgin, full of grace,
By the Spirit blest, conceiving,
Bore the Savior of our race,
And the Babe, the world's Redeemer,
First revealed His sacred face
Evermore and evermore.

3. Let the heights of heaven adore Him;
Angel hosts, His praises sing;
Powers, dominions, bow before Him
And extol our God and King.
Let no tongue on earth be silent,
Every voice in concert ring
Evermore and evermore.

4. Christ, to You, with God the Father,
Spirit blest eternally,
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving
And unending praises be,
Honor, glory, and dominion,
And eternal victory
Evermore and evermore.

Customize This