This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Hand in hand with Fairy grace
Staff Notation • Secular, Glees
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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.
SSATB · Andrew Pink
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Hand in hand with Fairy grace by Benjamin Cooke — Lyrics
Titania: Hand in hand, with fairy grace,
Will we sing, and bless this place.
Oberon: Now, until the break of day,
Through this house each fairy stray.
To the best bridebed will we,
Which by us shall blessed be;
And the issue there create
Ever shall be fortunate,
So shall all the couples three
Ever true in loving be;
And the blots of Nature’s hand
Shall not in their issue stand:
Never mole, harelip, nor scar,
Nor mark prodigious, such as are
Despised in nativity,
Shall upon their children be.
With this fielddew consecrate,
Every fairy take his gait,
And each several chamber bless,
Through this palace, with sweet peace;
Ever shall in safety rest,
And the owner of it blest.
Trip away;
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About Hand in hand with Fairy grace
Benjamin Cooke was a significant figure in the English glee tradition. This SSATB setting of an English text is a fine example of the genre. The words, drawn from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, express a joyous blessing upon a newly-wedded couple and their future issue. The fairies, led by Titania and Oberon, promise to consecrate the bridal bed and ensure that any children born will be fortunate and free from any physical blemish or ill-omen. Cooke's music would have captured the light and celebratory spirit of this magical scene, creating a vivid sound-picture for the singers and listeners.
