Thou art gone up on high.

"Thou art gone up on high" is a majestic bass solo that transitions into the powerful chorus, "The Lord gave the word." Drawing its text from Psalm 68, the piece reflects on Christ’s triumphant ascension into heaven and the subsequent spreading of the Gospel. The bass voice carries a stately, rolling melody, declaring how the Lord "led captivity captive" and received gifts for men, creating a sense of awe and divine victory.

In the choir loft, this piece is a thrilling challenge often brought out during the Easter season or on the Feast of the Ascension. The transition from the solo air to the sudden, unified declaration of the full choir—"The Lord gave the word"—is a moment that always commands the congregation's attention. It captures the energy of the early apostles, reminding us of the great company of preachers who carried the faith forward.