This edition was prepared by Barry Johnston — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Bedford
Staff Notation • Sacred
Preview
0
0
2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
SATB · Barry Johnston
Preview
Subscribed as
Want Sunday picks sent to another address too?
Free weekly email
Your choir should not be left out in what's trending
Sunday mass selections, psalms, and trending songs in your area — straight to your inbox.
Bedford by Ezra Goff — Lyrics
There is a house not made with hands,
Eternal and on high;
And here my spirit waiting stands,
Till God shall bid it fly.
Shortly this prison of my clay
Must be dissolved and fall;
Then, O my soul! with joy obey
Thy heavenly Father's call.
'Tis he, by his almighty grace,
That forms thee fit for heaven;
Read full lyrics
About Bedford
This anthem, set for SATB choir, uses an English text that reflects on the soul's journey to the afterlife. The lyrics speak of the body as a temporary 'prison of clay' and the spirit's anticipation of being 'absent from the flesh, and present, Lord, with thee.' Ezra Goff's setting would suit a service of remembrance or a funeral, offering comfort through its spiritual theme and confident musical expression. The music would likely convey a sense of peace and resolute faith, as the choir articulates the text's hopeful contemplation of eternal rest.
