This edition was prepared by Andrew Sims — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
A Century's Penultimate
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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A Century's Penultimate by Charles Wood — Lyrics
Resplendent beams are kindling in the East
Awake, ye nations, to a nobler day.
From port to port, from spire to spire the ray
Lights upon commerce freed and powers released.
Ye, late returned from England's royal feast,
Pass friend to friend along the Atlantic breeze,
Join hearts with hearts,while threads that knit the seas
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About A Century's Penultimate
Written for a special occasion, Charles Wood's A Century's Penultimate is a grand, celebratory choral work for SSATBB voices. This English partsong reflects on the dawn of a new era, with lyrics speaking of "commerce freed and powers released" and the "brotherhood increased" through global connections. The text, rich with imagery of light and burgeoning opportunity, also offers a direct tribute to Queen Victoria, celebrating the "burden of a reign so richly blest." The rich, eight-part voicing allows for a powerful and expansive sound, ideal for making a significant statement in a concert or ceremonial setting.
