O Gracious Light

Composer Jayson Engquist
Text Phos Hilaron
Voicing SATB, opt. handbells, and organ
Topics Evening, Praise & Adoration
Length 1' 30" Price $1.50 (U.S.) Released 6/92
Catalog no. 410-617  Difficulty Moderately difficult

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Reviews
"A short chant-like setting of the Phos Hilaron, composed in 1986. The organ, which simply doubles the choir parts, is also optional. The writing is easy but interesting."­AAM Journal, Jan./Feb. 1993

Description A new setting of that remarkable prayer from the third century, the Greek Phos Hilaron. Engquist uses wonderful harmonies in the choral chant-like lines, and creates an ethereal effect with handbell clusters and arpeggios between phrases, waiting until the sound dies away to begin the next phrase.

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Anthem text
O Gracious Light,
pure brightness of the everlasting Father in heav'n.
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!
Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light, we sign praises, O God:
Father Son and Holy Spirit.
Thou are worthy at all times
to be praised by happy voices, O Son of God, O Giver of life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.

Text: Phos Hilaron, Greek, 3rd cent: tr. from Book of Common Prayer.

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