This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Hark! heard ye not
Staff Notation • Secular, Glees
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Hark! heard ye not by John Goss — Lyrics
Hark! heard ye not that strange tumultuous sound,
That grates discordant on the startled ear?
Too faithful echo of a jarring world,
Where all the passions most degrading man
Are gendered, and break forth in insults, broils,
Loud uproar, rage infuriate, dire revenge.
But oh! thou lovely Peace, daughter of Heaven!
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About Hark! heard ye not
This dramatic glee for ATTBB voices, sung in English, offers a powerful contrast between worldly discord and the longed-for solace of peace. The text opens with a vivid depiction of unsettling, discordant sounds and the degrading passions that fuel them, before a fervent plea for the arrival of the gentle goddess of Peace. She is implored to descend and guide the singer to a tranquil sanctuary, reminiscent of the idyllic groves described in classical mythology. John Goss's setting would have been ideal for vocal ensembles in the 19th century, exploring the rich, sonorous blend of the male-voice choir to depict both the turmoil and the ultimate aspiration for serenity.
