Cowper (Oliver Holden)

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• (Posted 2015-09-23)  CPDL #36876:       

Editor: Barry Johnston (submitted 2015-09-23).   Score information: Letter, 1 page, 62 kB   Copyright: Public Domain

Edition notes: Oval note edition, as written in 1803. The other four stanzas from Cowper's hymn added below.

• (Posted 2015-09-23)  CPDL #36875:     

Editor: Barry Johnston (submitted 2015-09-23).   Score information: 7 x 10 in (landscape), 1 page, 138 kB   Copyright: Public Domain

Edition notes: Note shapes added (4-shape). The other four stanzas of Cowper's hymn added.

General Information

Title: Cowper
First Line: Forgive the song that falls so low
Composer: Oliver Holden
Lyricist: William Cowper

Number of voices: 4vv   Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred   Meter: 88. 88 (L.M.)

Language: English
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1803 in The Charlestown Collection, 1803, p. 33
    2nd published: 1803 in The Psalmodist's Assistant, Edition 1, no. 0
    3rd published: 1806 in The Psalmodist's Assistant, Edition 2, no. 89
Description: Words by William Cowper, 1779, his Hymn 81, in five stanzas. Holden used the last stanza of Cowper's hymn in his composition.

Original text and translations

English text Almighty King! whose wondrous hand, Supports the weight of sea and land; Whose grace is such a boundless store, No heart shall break that sighs for more. Thy Providence supplies my food, And ’tis Thy blessing makes it good; My soul is nourished by Thy word, Let soul and body praise the Lord.

My streams of outward comfort came From Him, who built this earthly frame; Whate’er I want His bounty gives, By whom my soul for ever lives. Either His hand preserves from pain, Or, if I feel it, heals again; From Satan’s malice shields my breast, Or overrules it for the best.

Forgive the song that falls so low Beneath the gratitude I owe! It means Thy praise, however poor, An angel’s song can do no more.

Grace and Providence by William Cowper