Most Glorious Lord of Life (Vocal Score)

Commissioned by Wells Cathedral, Patrick was asked to write a new work for the Cathedral Choir and this new anthem Most Glorious Lord of Life – for choir and organ – was premiered as part of the Cathedral’s ‘Sound of Wells Festival 2023’.  The work takes its title from the poem ‘Easter Sonnet’ or ‘Sonnet 68’ by the 16th century English poet Edmund Spenser which glorifies Christ’s sacrifice for mankind and praises his path of love.   Patrick’s setting conveys the poem’s message of the extreme power of love, and encouragement to others to devote their lives to preach Christ’s path, knowledge, affection, and kindness.

Most glorious Lord of life, that on this day,
Didst make thy triumph over death and sin:
And having harrow’d hell, didst bring away
Captivity thence captive, us to win:
This joyous day, dear Lord, with joy begin,
And grant that we for whom thou diddest die,
Being with thy dear blood clean wash’d from sin,
May live for ever in felicity.
And that thy love we weighing worthily,
May likewise love thee for the same again:
And for thy sake, that all like dear didst buy,
With love may one another entertain.
So let us love, dear love, like as we ought,
Love is the lesson which the Lord us taught.