This edition was prepared by Barry Johnston — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Europe
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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Europe by William Billings — Lyrics
Let every mortal ear attend,
And every heart rejoice;
The trumpet of the gospel sounds
With an inviting voice.
Lo! all ye hungry, starving souls.
That feed upon the wind,
And vainly strive with earthly toys
To fill an empty mind.
Eternal Wisdom has prepared
A soulreviving feast,
And bids your longing appetites
The rich provision taste.
Ho! ye that pant for living streams,
And pine away and die,
here you may quench your raging thirst
With springs that never dry.
Rivers of love and mercy here
In a rich ocean join;
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About Europe
William Billings crafts a powerful call to spiritual nourishment in this SATB anthem. The music opens with a broad, declamatory gesture, echoing the text's trumpet-like announcement. Billings vividly portrays the gospel's invitation, urging listeners to abandon their vain pursuits and partake in the "soul-reviving feast" prepared by "Eternal Wisdom." The text contrasts spiritual hunger and thirst with the abundant "rivers of love and mercy" flowing from salvation. This piece urges the listener to exchange their futile efforts for divine provision, offering a rich sonic landscape to match its profound theological message.
