Sometimes a light surprises (Johann Michael Haydn)
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- (Posted 2020-11-13) CPDL #61352:
- Editor: Andrew Sims (submitted 2020-11-13). Score information: A4, 1 page, 49 kB Copyright: CPDL
- Edition notes: The hymn with four-part harmony and underlaid words in the version published in Hymns Ancient & Modern New Standard
- (Posted 2020-11-13) CPDL #61351:
- Editor: Andrew Sims (submitted 2020-11-13). Score information: A4, 1 page, 131 kB Copyright: CPDL
- Edition notes: The hymn in the version published in Hymns Ancient & Modern New Standard, melody with words.
General Information
Title: Sometimes a light surprises
Composer: Johann Michael Haydn
Tune: Offertorium
Lyricist: William Cowper
Number of voices: 4vv Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred, Hymn Meter: 76. 76. D
Language: English
Instruments: A cappella or keyboard
First published:
2nd published: 1983 in Hymns Ancient and Modern, New Standard, no. 108
Description: Melody adapted from Michael Haydn
External websites:
Original text and translations
English text
Sometimes a light surprises
the Christian while he sings:
it is the Lord who rises
with healing in his wings;
when comforts are declining,
he grants the soul again
a season of clear shining
to cheer it after rain.
In holy contemplation
we sweetly then pursue
the theme of God’s salvation,
and find it ever new:
set free from present sorrow,
we cheerfully can say,
‘E’en let the unknown morrow
bring with it what it may,
it can bring with it nothing
but he will bear us through;
who gives the lilies clothing
will clothe his people too:
beneath the spreading heavens
no creature but is fed;
and he who feeds the ravens
will give his children bread.’
Though vine nor fig tree neither
their wonted fruit should bear,
though all the fields should wither,
nor flocks nor herds be there;
yet, God the same abiding,
his praise shall tune my voice;
for, while in him confiding,
I cannot but rejoice.