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O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus (EBENEZER)

Thomas J. Williams · S. T. Francis

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

O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus (EBENEZER)

The words are by Samuel Trevor Francis (1834–1925), who according to tradition wrote them in 1875 on Hungerford Bridge in London. The tune EBENEZER (also called “Ton-y-botel”) is by the Welsh musician Thomas John Williams (1869–1944) and was composed around 1890 (published in 1897).

About the piece

A hymn on the depth of Christ's love, with a somber character and an unusual melody. This edition, 16 measures long, carries a piano accompaniment.

How to prepare it

The piano part spans B3–C5 (a minor ninth) in the right hand and G2–D4 (a twelfth) in the left. The melody has a modal character and somewhat unusual harmony, which calls for attention to the singing of intervals: hear it first on the piano and repeat each phrase softly. Rehearse slowly until the choir feels the end of each line with confidence.

When to use it

Suitable in Lent and Ordinary Time, as a meditation or communion chant.