This edition was prepared by John Henry Fowler — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Descend, ye Nine!
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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Descend, ye Nine! by Charles Hubert Hastings Parry — Lyrics
Descend, ye Nine! descend and sing;
The breathing instruments inspire,
Wake into voice each silent string,
And sweep the sounding lyre;
In a sadlypleasing strain
Let the warbling lute complain:
Let the loud trumpet sound,
Till the roofs all around
The shrill echoes rebound:
While in more lengthen'd notes and slow,
The deep, majestic, solemn organs blow.
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About Descend, ye Nine!
Parry's Descend, ye Nine! is a spirited and expansive setting of a secular English text, conceived for SATB choir. The music vividly captures the dramatic imagery of the words, portraying the awakening of instruments and the swell of music from hushed whispers to triumphant fanfares. The composer employs a rich harmonic language and dynamic contrasts to illustrate the text's journey from 'sadly-pleasing strain' to 'dying, dying fall'. This partsong offers a substantial musical challenge and rewarding expressive opportunities, ideal for a choir seeking a substantial and exciting addition to their repertoire.
