This edition was prepared by Raymond Nagem — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
How long, great God?, Z 189
Staff Notation • Sacred, Sacred songs
Preview
0
0
2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
Solo high · Raymond Nagem
Preview
Subscribed as
Want Sunday picks sent to another address too?
Free weekly email
Your choir should not be left out in what's trending
Sunday mass selections, psalms, and trending songs in your area — straight to your inbox.
How long, great God?, Z 189 by Henry Purcell — Lyrics
How long, great God, must I,
Immur'd in this dark Prison lie?
Where at the Grates, and Avenues of Sense,
My Soul must watch to have intelligence;
Where but faint Gleams of thee salute my Sight,
Like doubtful Moonshine in a cloudy Night.
When shall I leave this Magick Sphere,
And be all Mind, all Eye, all Ear?
How cold this Clime! and yet my Sense
Perceives ev'n here thy Influence;
Ev'n here thy strong Magnetick Charms I feel,
And pant, and tremble, like the amorous Steel:
Read full lyrics
About How long, great God?, Z 189
How long, great God? is a devotional solo song in English, set by Henry Purcell. The text expresses a soul's longing for divine connection while trapped in a physical body, perceived as a dark prison. The singer describes the struggle to maintain spiritual focus amidst worldly distractions, comparing the soul's yearning to a magnetic needle constantly drawn back to its true north. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the inner conflict, a desire to transcend earthly limitations and experience God more directly. This solo setting offers a profound and intimate exploration of faith and spiritual aspiration, suitable for a high voice.
