[The Temple, Detail of Model]

from The Temple (1633), by George Herbert:

 

  ¶   Antiphon. (I)

Cho. LEt all the world in ev’ry corner sing,
                        My God and King.

   Vers.  The heav’ns are not too high,
        His praise may thither flie:
        The earth is not too low,
        His praises there may grow.

Cho.  Let all the world in ev’ry corner sing,
                        My God and King.

  Vers. The church with psalms must shout,
        No doore can keep them out:
        But above all, the heart
        Must bear the longest part.

Cho.  Let all the world in ev’ry corner sing,
                        My God and King.


Antiphon: A versicle or sentence sung by one choir in response to another choir. Also the composition. (Oxford English Dictionary)

Musical Interpretations:

  • The hymn tune "Highroad" uses these words. Click to open music in another program.
  • Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958), "Antiphon", 1911 [baritone, chorus and orchestra], from Five Mystical Songs, no. 5.
  • Geoffrey Bush (1920-), "A song of praise".
  • Thomas Dunn, American (1925 - ), composed an anthem for amateur choir.
    "Let all the World," using the George Herbert poem, is as American as Scott Joplin - a rollicking and playful setting, infectious in rhythm. It can be sung in a variety of ways: SATB, SA alone or SA with unison men's parts.
  • Background music is an anthem "Antiphon (I)" from Welsh Requiem for the Living. Arranged in 8 parts by Red Dragon Click to open music in another program.

    For Links on Music and George Herbert


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    1633 Poem Index George Herbert & The Temple Home Page