This edition was prepared by Barry Johnston — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Hartford
Staff Notation • Sacred, Hymns
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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.
SSTB · Barry Johnston
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Hartford by Amos Bull — Lyrics
WESLEY'S VERSION OF 1746
Hail the day that sees him rise,
Ravished from our wishful eyes!
Christ, a while to mortals given,
Reascends his native heaven.
There the pompous triumph waits:
Lift your heads, eternal gates!
Wide unfold the radiant scene,
Take the King of Glory in.
Circled round with angelpow’rs,
Their triumphant Lord and ours,
Conqueror o’er death, hell, and sin,
Take the King of Glory in.
Him though highest heaven receives,
Still he loves the earth he leaves;
Though returning to his throne,
Still he calls mankind his own.
See, he lifts his hands above!
See, he shows the prints of love!
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About Hartford
This stirring anthem rejoices in the Ascension of Christ. The text, a version of Charles Wesley's hymn, vividly describes Christ's triumphant return to heaven, leaving his earthly followers but promising continued intercession and love. The choir sings this exultant scene in four parts (SSTB), with the music designed to reflect the grandeur of the moment. It paints a powerful picture of Christ as the conquering King, now ascended to his heavenly throne, yet still devoted to humankind. The soaring melody and harmonies would lift the spirits of any congregation, offering a profound musical expression of this foundational moment in Christian belief.
