(2001)
Duration: 2 minutes
Men’s voices (ATB or TB)
First performed by Bedford School Chapel Choir, cond. Bruce Grindlay, 27 June 2001, Bedford School Chapel
Programme Note
Te Lucis Ante Terminum is based on the plainsong setting from the Liber Usualis, which is given to the upper part (which can be sung by altos or tenors) throughout, to wordless accompaniment. It is in three parts, though divides into 5 for the penultimate chord.
Before the ending of the day,
Creator of the world, we pray
that with thou wonted favour thou
wouldst be our Guard and Keeper now.
From all ill dreams defend our eyes,
from nightly fears and fantasies;
tread under foot our ghostly foe,
that no pollution we may know.
O Father, that we ask be done,
through Jesus Christ our only Son;
Who, with the Holy Ghost and thee,
Doth live and reign eternally.
Amen.