"Hearken Unto Me, Ye Holy Children" is an anthem composed by Maurice Greene in 1728. The first performance was probably given on 1 March 1728 at the King's College Chapel, Cambridge; however there is some conjecture that the actual first performance date was 25 April 1728 (to coincide with King George II's visit).
A typical performance takes about 17 minutes.
Voices Countertenor Tenor Bass Chorus
Movements The work has the following movements:
MovementTypeVoiceTextSource1SoloCountertenorHearken unto me, ye holy children:bud forth as a rose growingby the brooks of the field.Give a sweet savour as frankincense,and flourish as the lilies.Sing a song of praise,bless the Lord in all His works.Sirach 39, 13-142ChorusMagnify His name,and shew forth His praisewith the songs of your lips and with harps.Sirach 39, 153ChorusAnd in praising Him you shall say:blessed be the Lord God of our fathers,who hath put such a thing into the king's heart;to build this house and set upa holy temple to the Lord,which was prepar'd for everlasting glory.Sirach 39, 15;Ezra 7, 27;Sirach 49, 124SoloTenorTo be a father to the fatherless;to feed them with the bread of understanding,and give them the waters of wisdom to drink.Sirach 4, 10;Sirach 15, 35DuetCountertenorand TenorTherefore shall he receive a glorious kingdomand a beautiful crown from the hand of the Lord.Wisdom of Solomon 5, 166RecitativeBassHow is he numb'red among the children of God,and his lot is among the saints.Wisdom of Solomon 5, 57SoloBassHis name shall endure for ever;His name shall remain under the sunamong the posterities,which shall be blessed through him.Psalm 72, 17(Book of Common Prayer)8ChorusBlessed be the Lord God of our fathers,who hath put such a thing into the king's heart;to build this house and set upa holy temple to the Lord,which was prepared for everlasting glory.Hallelujah, Amen.Ezra 7, 27;Sirach 49, 12