This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Hushed was the evening hymn
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.
SATB · Noel Stoutenburg
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Hushed was the evening hymn by Arthur Sullivan — Lyrics
1. Hushed was the evening hymn,
The temple courts were dark;
The lamp was burning dim
Before the sacred ark;
When suddenly a voice divine
Rang through the silence of the shrine.
2. The old man, meek and mild,
The priest of Israel, slept;
His watch the temple child,
The little Levite, kept;
And what from Eli’s sense was sealed
The Lord to Hannah’s son revealed.
3. O give me Samuel’s ear,
The open ear, O Lord,
Alive and quick to hear
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About Hushed was the evening hymn
Arthur Sullivan, best known for his operettas, also composed a significant body of sacred music. This anthem, 'Hushed was the evening hymn', is set for SATB choir in English. The text is a devotional poem based on the biblical story of the young Samuel hearing God's voice in the temple. The lyrics express a deep yearning for spiritual attentiveness, asking for Samuel's open ear and obedient heart to perceive and respond to the divine word. Sullivan’s setting masterfully captures the solemnity of the narrative and the heartfelt plea of the suppliant, offering a moving reflection on faith and divine communication suitable for contemplative services.
