This edition was prepared by Barry Johnston — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Chesterfield
Staff Notation • Sacred
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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
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Chesterfield by Anonymous — Lyrics
Coke & Asbury, A Pocket HymnBook, 1790
1. In boundless mercy, gracious Lord, appear,
Darkness dispel, the humble mourner cheer;
Vain thoughts remove, melt down this flinty heart;
Cause every soul to choose the better part.
2. Thy presence fills the universal space ;
Thy grace appears to all the fallen race.
O! visit us with light and life divine;
Fill every foul, for every soul is thine.
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About Chesterfield
This SATB setting of a devotional English text opens with a sense of spaciousness, the voices entering in imitation to create a gentle, flowing texture. The music unfolds with a clear, direct harmonic language, underpinning the hopeful and earnest words. The text, drawn from a 1790 hymn-book, speaks of divine mercy, the dispelling of darkness, and the desire to choose a spiritual path. It moves from a plea for the Lord's presence and grace to a personal declaration of devotion to Jesus, rejecting earthly distractions in favour of heavenly beauty. The composer, anonymous, crafts a piece that is both accessible and heartfelt.
