This edition was prepared by David Anderson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Hark! the convent bells are ringing
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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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 · James Gibb
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Hark! the convent bells are ringing by John Liptrot Hatton — Lyrics
Hark! the convent bells are ringing,
And the nuns are sweetly singing;
Holy Virgin, hear our prayer!
See, the novice comes to sever
Every worldly tie for ever;
Take, oh take her to your care!
Still radiant gems are shining,
Her jetblack locks entwining;
And her robes, around her flowing,
With many tints are glowing,
But all earthly rays are dim.
Splendours brighter now invite her,
While thus we sing our vesper hymn.
Holy Virgin, hear our prayer!
Take, oh take her to your care!
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About Hark! the convent bells are ringing
This secular SATB partsong by John Liptrot Hatton would suit a moment of reflection, perhaps at a vesper service, depicting the solemn yet beautiful scene of a novice taking her vows. The English text describes the ringing convent bells and the nuns' singing, as a young woman prepares to dedicate her life to the Holy Virgin. Hatton captures the visual imagery of the novice's adornments, contrasting their earthly glow with the spiritual splendours that now invite her. The piece culminates in the appeal for the Virgin's care as the sacred vow is taken, offering a poignant musical setting for this significant life event.
