Alleluia, Song of Gladness
A beautiful SATB and organ arrangement of Fairest Isle, one of Purcell's most famous and wonderful tunes. Text by John Mason Neale. Perfect for the last Sunday before Lent or the Easter Vigil.
Alleluia, song of gladness,
Voice of joy that cannot die;
Alleluia is the anthem
Ever dear to choirs on high;
In the house of God abiding
Thus they sing eternally.
Alleluia to the highest,
Alleluia, joyfully.
Alleluia thou resoundest,
True Jerusalem and free;
Alleluia, joyful mother,
All thy children sing with thee;
But by Babylon’s sad waters
Mourning exiles now are we.
There we stand and raise our voices
To the blessed Trinity.
Alleluia we deserve not
Here to chant forevermore;
Alleluia our transgressions
Make us for a while give o’er;
For the holy time is coming
Bidding us our sins deplore.
At the last to keep Thine Easter,
Alleluia evermore