Cyrene was composed by Abijah Forbush.

What language is Cyrene sung in?

Cyrene is sung in Latin, English.

Cyrene by Abijah Forbush — Lyrics & Sheet Music (PDF)

Q: What are the lyrics of Cyrene by Abijah Forbush?

“Cyrene” begins: Oratio Moysi, hominis Dei. Domine, refugium factus es nobis a generatione in generationem.… Read the full lyrics on ChoirPDFs.

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SATB

Edition by Barry Johnston

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Added Jul 29, 2026

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

Sacred Staff

Composer: Abijah Forbush

Format: Staff

Language: Latin, English

Pages: 1 page

This edition was prepared by Barry Johnston — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.

Cyrene by Abijah Forbush — Lyrics

Oratio Moysi, hominis Dei. Domine, refugium factus es nobis a generatione in generationem. Priusquam montes fierent, aut formaretur terra et orbis, a saeculo et usque in saeculum tu es, Deus. Ne avertas hominem in humilitatem: et dixisti: Convertimini, filii hominum. Quoniam mille anni ante oculos tuos tamquam dies hesterna quae praeteriit: et custodia in nocte quae pro nihilo habentur, eorum anni erunt. Mane sicut herba transeat; mane floreat, et transeat; vespere decidat, induret, et arescat. Quia defecimus in ira tua, et in furore tuo turbati sumus. Posuisti iniquitates nostras in conspectu tuo; saeculum nostrum in illuminatione vultus tui. Quoniam omnes dies nostri defecerunt, et in ira tua defecimus. Anni nostri sicut aranea meditabuntur; dies annorum nostrorum in ipsis septuaginta anni.

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About Cyrene

Abijah Forbush sets a profound Latin text, beginning with the prayer of Moses, and moving through reflections on the transience of human life and the enduring power of God. The composer contrasts the fleeting nature of human existence with the eternal, unchanging presence of the divine. The text explores themes of humility and repentance, acknowledging human frailty and sinfulness before God. The piece is scored for SATB choir, offering rich harmonic possibilities to convey the scriptural weight of the words. The blend of Latin and English lyrics in this sacred work provides a dual dimension to its devotional message, making it suitable for contemplative services.