This edition was prepared by Ross Jallo — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Glorious and Powerful God
Staff Notation • Sacred, Anthems, Verse anthems
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3 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
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Glorious and Powerful God by Orlando Gibbons — Lyrics
Glorious and Powerful God,
We understand thy dwelling is on high
Above the starry sky.
Thou dwellest not in stone temples made with hand;
But in the flesh hearts of the sons of men to dwell is thy delight,
Near hand, though out of sight.
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About Glorious and Powerful God
Orlando Gibbons’s Glorious and Powerful God is a resplendent anthem for SAATB voices. The text, a profound reflection on the nature of the divine, contrasts God’s celestial dwelling with His desire to inhabit the hearts of humankind. It speaks of supplication offered with pure and unfeigned hearts, seeking God’s presence and grace. Gibbons’s masterful setting, likely intended for a cathedral service, would have been a cornerstone of English sacred music in the early 17th century. The rich five-part texture allows for both grand pronouncements and intimate moments, reflecting the text’s dual focus on divine majesty and personal devotion. This work remains a powerful testament to Gibbons's skill in conveying spiritual depth through choral writing.
