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Battle Hymn of the Republic

William Steffe · Julia Ward Howe

Score

Read it and listen to it right here. It can't be downloaded — to sing it with your choir, use it in Cantico.

History

Battle Hymn of the Republic

The words are by Julia Ward Howe (1819–1910), written in November 1861 and published in February 1862 in “The Atlantic Monthly”. The melody is attributed to William Steffe and was already a popular camp song (the one sung as “John Brown's Body”).

About the piece

A marching hymn with its “Glory, glory, hallelujah” refrain that became hugely popular in the United States. This edition carries the melody with its text, in 17 measures.

How to prepare it

It is very easy to learn: the range is D4–D5 (an octave) and almost everyone knows the refrain. The choir's work is in the rhythm: rehearse with a metronome so the march pulse doesn't speed up, and save full volume for the final refrain.

When to use it

It is an energetic closing chant for Ordinary Time. Before using it in a celebration it is worth considering the historical context of its text and the tone of the assembly.