SATB, some div, optional percussion | 2m30 | Early intermediate
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A dramatic a capella setting of Catherine Winkworth’s English lyric “Redeemer of the Nations, Come”.
Redeemer of the nations, come!
Ransom of earth, here make Thy home!
Bright Sun, oh dart Thy flame to earth,
For so shall God in Christ have birth!
Thou comest from Thy kingly throne,
O Son of God, the Virgin’s Son!
Thou Hero of a twofold race,
Dost walk in might earth’s darkest place.
Thou stoopest once to suffer here,
Risest o’er the starry sphere;
Hell’s gates at Thy descent were riven,
Ere thy ascent to highest Heaven.
How bright Thy lowly manger beams!
Down earth’s dark vale its glory streams,
The splendour of Thy natal night
Shines through all Time in deathless light.
Words: Veni, Redemptor Gentium, St. Ambrose; Komm Heidenheiland, Lösegeld, German trans. by Johann Franck; English trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1865. Thanks as ever to Hymns and Carols of Christmas.
Based on my solo/multitracked YouTube version — full choir, but similarly cinematic-medieval feel!