by John Dryden (1631 - 1700)
Translation by Norman Dello Joio (1913 - 2008)
To Saint Cecilia Matches original text
Language: English  after the English
From harmony this universal frame began: When Nature underneath a heap Of jarring atoms lay, And could not heave her head. The Voice of Thunder was heard on high, "Arise, arise ye more than dead." Then cold, and hot, and moist, and dry, The elements, they heard from high: And to their stations leap, And Music's power obey. From heavenly harmony this universal frame began: From harmony to harmony. Through all the compass of notes it ran, The diapason closing full in Man. What passion cannot Music raise or quell! When Jubal struck the corded shell, His list'ning brethren stood around, And, wond'ring, on their faces fell To worship that celestial sound.
Composition:
- Set to music by Norman Dello Joio (1913 - 2008), "To Saint Cecilia", 1958 [ chorus and brass ], cantata
Text Authorship:
- by Norman Dello Joio (1913 - 2008) [an adaptation]
Based on:
- a text in English by John Dryden (1631 - 1700), written 1687
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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2010-01-19
Line count: 19
Word count: 112