by Anonymous / Unidentified Author
Raise, raise the voice! All instruments...
Language: English
Raise, raise the voice! All instruments obey: Let the sweet lute its softest notes display; For this is sacred Music's holy day. The god himself says he'll be present here: Dress'd in his brightest beams he will appear, Not to the eye, but to the ravish'd ear. "Crown the day with Harmony," Hark! I hear Apollo cry; "And let every generous heart In the chorus bear a part." Mark, mark, how readily each pliant string Prepares itself, and as an off'ring The tribute of some gentle sound does bring. Then all together in harmonious lays To the sublimest pitch themselves they raise, And loudly celebrate their Master's praise. Come raise up your voices, and let us dispute For melodious notes with the viol and lute; Apollo's delighted with what we have done, And clapping his hands cries "Iô, go on". With a smile he does all our endeavours approve, And vows he ne'er heard such a consort above.
About the headline (FAQ)
Authorship:
- by Anonymous / Unidentified Author [author's text not yet checked against a primary source]
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- by Henry Purcell (1658/9 - 1695), "Raise, raise the voice", alternate title: "Ode for St Cecilia's Day", Z. 334. [text verified 1 time]
Researcher for this page: Athony Burton
This text was added to the website: 2009-07-15
Line count: 22
Word count: 158