Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord

The words of this powerful setting are drawn from the Gospel of John, proclaiming the arrival of Christ. Gounod captures the jubilation and awe of the crowd with a grand, eight-part texture for women and men. The setting moves from the solemn recognition of the Messiah to the exultant cry of "Hosanna in the highest." It is a stirring anthem suitable for a significant moment in a service, such as the entrance of the choir or clergy. The substantial voicing allows for a rich and resonant performance, making a profound statement of faith.