Behold The King
COMPOSER’S NOTE
It was my aim with this carol/anthem to portray the Kingship of Christ in its many forms (both humble and mighty) and these two extremes must also become clear to the listener. The organ enhances the unbridled sense of majesty and victory through its colourful registrations and insistent rhythmic patterns and the beautiful words by my brother Andrew combine to produce a work full of contrast and variety. The fanfare-like sections need to be majestic and exhilarating whereas the more lyrical moments (normally accompanied by playful quavers on the organ) should be warmer and more expressive.
The words and music create a piece that is perfect for Christmas and the Feast of Christ the King.
I originally wrote this for Russell Burton and the Charterhouse Chapel Choir back in 1997 and it was only 26 year later – in 2023 – that it was finally recorded by the excellent Voce choir for my Christmas album The Nativity.
DURATION
5 minutes
CHORUS
SATB
INSTRUMENTATION
Organ
YEAR OF COMPOSITION
1997
PUBLISHER
Hawes Music
SHEET MUSIC
Available from
Hawes Music
JW Pepper
Music Room
Music Shop Europe
Behold The King!
Bidden by a king,
borne on an ass by a young virgin.
Born a King, His Kingdom to bring.
Behold The King!
His court a stable in an inn
wakeful animals His praises sing.
Born a King, His peace to bring.
Behold The King!
Enthroned in straw
who frightened shepherds first adored.
Born a King, new hope to bring.
Behold The King!
His mother a Queen
robed in grace – full poverty.
Born a King, Love to bring.
Behold our King
and God and sing,
of His majestic emptying!
Born with nothing His kingdom to bring.
Words: Andrew Hawes (1954 – )