The lyrics were written by Maria Parkinson (b 1956). It was published in Songs of the Spirit, 1978 and there are suggestions that it was published in 1975 also, but this has not been verified.
The song was used when Pope John Paull II visited Liverpool Cathedral in 1982, and this suggests that it is likely Parkinson is English. She had two further songs published in Volume II of Songs of the Spirit, and they are the only hymns that CCLI lists for her. No further information about her has been located.
The songs is set to an un-named tune, also by Parkinson. This has a 3/4 time signature (waltz time), and was originally published in the key of G: the first few notes are G A F G E D.
It has been widely used on pilgrimages to places such as Lourdes and Medjugorje, and has been translated into various different languages. For example,
- This Spanish language version (video)
- This Portuguese version (sheet music for a SATB arrangement of the chorus)
- This version (possibly in Latvian).
The best source of sheet music is one of the hymnals it is included
in, like:
- Hymns old and New, definitely the 2009 Catholic edition possibly others also.
- McCrimmon's Celebration Hymnal for Everyone
Downloads
This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).
Examples
Solo singer with choir and light orchestral backing:
Choir during Mass at the grotto in Lourdes, with keyboard backing:
Seminary based music group, with guitar:
Lead singer with backing band, at a large outdoor event:
Band - professional recording:
Instrumental - organ, with arrangement by JP Lecot:
Lyrics
The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website.The song has three verses, each four lines long, and a two-line chorus which is repeated after each one. A rough outline is:
As I kneel before you,
As I bow my head in prayer
Take this day, make it yours
And fill me with your love
Chorus:
Ave Maria, gratia plena,
Dominus tecum, benedicta tu
2) All I have I give you ....
3) ....As I see your smiling face ...
No comments:
Post a Comment