Come, Thou Holy Paraclete by David Hurd
Date(s) Performed: May 24
Description
David Hurd’s “Come, Thou Holy Paraclete” is a choral setting of the Latin sequence Veni Sancte Spiritus, often referred to as the “Golden Sequence” due to its esteemed place in the liturgy of Pentecost. Hurd sets an English translation by John Mason Neale, preserving the theological depth and poetic structure of the original Latin text. His composition, scored for SATB choir and organ, was commissioned in 1986 for the Choir of Men and Boys at Saint Paul’s Cathedral in Buffalo, New York, and premiered at Evensong on Pentecost that year.
The piece opens with dramatic descending organ scales, symbolizing the descent of the Holy Spirit, and transitions into more introspective choral passages that reflect the text’s meditative qualities. The final stanza returns to the exuberant character of the opening, culminating in a musical depiction of “heavenly felicity.”
Hurd’s setting is a thoughtful and expressive interpretation of this ancient hymn, making it a fitting choice for Pentecost services and other occasions that celebrate the presence and work of the Holy Spirit.
Lyrics
Come, thou Holy Paraclete,
and from thy celestial seat,
send thy light and brilliancy.
Father of the poor, draw near;
Giver of all gifts, be here;
Come, the soul’s true radiancy.
Come, of comforters the best,
of the soul the sweetest guest,
come in toil refreshingly.
Thou in labor rest most sweet,
Thou art shadow from the heat,
comfort in adversity.
O thou Light, most pure and blest,
shine within the inmost breast
Of thy faithful company.
Where thou art not, man hath naught;
Every holy deed and thought
comes from thy Divinity.
What is soiled, make thou pure;
what is wounded, work its cure;
what is parched, fructify;
what is rigid, gently bend;
what is frozen, warmly tend;
Strengthen what goes erringly.
Fill thy faithful, who confide
In thy power to guard and guide,
with thy sevenfold mystery.
Here thy grace and virtue send:
grant salvation to the end,
and in heaven felicity. Amen.
