Tuneful Harp (Stephen Jenks)

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• (Posted 2016-03-30)  CPDL #39136:       

Editor: Barry Johnston (submitted 2016-03-30).   Score information: Letter, 1 page, 45 kB   Copyright: Public Domain

Edition notes: Oval note edition. Three more pairs of stanzas from Rowe's poem included.

• (Posted 2016-03-30)  CPDL #39135:     

Editor: Barry Johnston (submitted 2016-03-30).   Score information: 7 x 10 inches (landscape), 1 page, 52 kB   Copyright: Public Domain

Edition notes: Note shapes added (4-shape). Three more pairs of stanzas from Rowe's poem included.

General Information

Title: Tuneful Harp
First Line: Before the rosy dawn of day
Composer: Stephen Jenks
Lyricist: Elizabeth Rowe

Number of voices: 4vv   Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred   Meter: 86. 86 (C.M.)

Language: English
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1806 in The Delights of Harmony, or Union Compiler, 1806
Description: Words by Elizabeth Rowe, 1717, in nine stanzas. Jenks used the first two stanzas of Rowe's poem in his composition.

Original text and translations

English text 1. Before the rosy dawn of day, To thee, my God, I'll sing; Awake, my soft and tuneſul lyre! Awake, each charming string! 2. Awake! and let thy flowing strain; Glide through the midnight air, While high amidst her silent orb, The silver moon rolls clear. 3. While all the glittering starry lamps Are lighted in the sky, And set their Maker's greatness forth. To thy admiring eye:

4. While watchful angels round the just As nightly guardians wait, In lofty strains of grateful praise, Thy spirit elevate. 5. Awake, my soft and tuneſul lyre! Awake each charming string! Before the rosy dawn of day, To thee, my God, I'll sing. 6. Thou round the heavenly arch dost draw A dark and sable veil, And all the beauties of the world. From mortal eyes conceal.

7. Again the sky with golden beams Thy skillful hands adorn, And paint, with cheerful splendor gay, The fair ascending morn. 8. And as the gloomy night returns, Our smiling day renews Thy constant goodness still my soul With benefits pursues. 9. For this I'll midnight vows to thee, With early incense bring; And ere the rosy dawn of day, Thy lofty praises sing.