This edition was prepared by Barry Johnston — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Cyrene
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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Cyrene by Samuel Holyoke — Lyrics
1. Why will ye die, O wretched man,
And choose the way to hell?
Jehovah offers you a crown,
And you with him may dwell.
2. Turn, turn unhappy souls return,
Accept eternal peace,
Why will you at the Savior spurn,
Who offers you his grace?
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About Cyrene
Samuel Holyoke’s Cyrene is a sacred work for SATB choir, written in English. The text offers a powerful and direct appeal, urging listeners to turn away from sin and embrace salvation. The lyrics confront the listener with the stark choice between eternal destruction and the grace offered through Christ. Holyoke’s setting emphasizes the urgency of the message, with the SATB voicing lending a full and resonant quality to the plea for repentance and the promise of eternal peace. The composer’s intent is clear: to move the listener to accept the Savior’s sacrifice and the divine love he offers.
