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I wish to tune my quiv'ring lyre
Staff Notation • Secular, Glees
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I wish to tune my quiv'ring lyre by Thomas Forbes Walmisley — Lyrics
I wish to tune my quiv'ring lyre
To deeds of fame and notes of fire;
To echo from its rising swell
How heroes fought and nations fell!
The dying chords are strung anew,
To war, to war, my harp is due.
With glowing strings, the epic strain
To Jove's great son I raise again.
All, all in vain my wayward lyre
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About I wish to tune my quiv'ring lyre
This glee for ATTB voices begins with a vigorous, martial character, the outer voices often moving in parallel thirds and sixths, creating a sense of bold declaration. The text initially evokes heroic deeds and the clamour of war, a theme reflected in the music's driving energy. However, the music soon shifts dramatically, mirroring the poet's change of heart. The texture becomes more lyrical and the mood softens as the singer abandons thoughts of conflict for the gentler themes of love. The piece beautifully captures this contrast, moving from grand pronouncements to intimate expressions of emotion, all within the rich, blended sound of the four male voices.
