Commemoration ode performed at Christ Church in Dublin 9 January 1694
| TYPE | 3 - Complex Melody |
| TOPIC | Inauguration TCD |
| TUNE STRUCTURE | Episodic |
| VERSE STRUCTURE | 10v |
| TIME SIGNATURE | C 34 |
| TONAL CENTRE | C/F |
| INCIPIT | GBD'G'B'G'G'G'D'GC'C♯'G' |
| GENRE | Ode |
| TEXT SOURCE | 'Commemoration ode performed at Christ Church in Dublin 9 January 1694' MS 62666 |
| TUNE SOURCE | as above |
| FIRST LINE | Great Parent, hail! all hail to Thee |
| NOTATED INCIPIT | |
| Henry Purcell composed the music for this Ode, set to verses by Nahum Tate, for Trinity’s centenary celebration in 1694. The score is written for voices and strings. Tate’s text was published as a single-sheet folio as 'An ode upon the ninth of January 1693/4 the first secular day since the University of Dublin’s foundation by Queen Elizabeth. By Mr Tate' (Dublin: Joseph Ray, 1694). | |
A Commemoration Song. Performed at Christ Church in Dublin, January the 9th 1693/4. Compos’d by Mr Henry PurcellGreat Parent, hail! all hail to TheeWho hast the last distress surviv’dTo see this joyful year arriv’d.The Muse’s second JubileeAnother century commencing,No decay in thee can trace,Time, with his even Laws dispensing,Adds new Charms to ev’ry Grace,That adorn’d thy youthful FaceAfter wars alarms repeatedAnd a Circling age completed.Vigrous offspring thou dost raise Such as to Inverness’s Praise Shall Liffy make as proud a name,As that of Isis, or of Cam.Awful matron, take thy seatTo celebrate this festivalThe learn’d assembly well to treatBless’d Eliza’s Day recalThe wonders of her Reign recountIn songs that Mortal strains surmount,Songs for Phœbus to repeat.ChorusShe was the first who did inspire,And strung the mute Hybernian Lyre.Whose Deathless memory(The Soul of Harmony)Still animates the Vocal Choir.Succeeding Princes next recite, With never dying Verse requiteThose favours she did show’r‘Tis that alone can do ‘em rightTo save ‘em from Oblivious NightIs only in the Muses Power.But chiefly recommend to FameMaria and Great Williams NameFor surely no Hybernian MuseWhose Isle to him her Freedom owesCan her restorers Praise refuseWhile Boyn and Shannon flowes.The Royall Patrons sung, repairTo Illustrious Ormond’s Tomb:Living he made thee his care;Give him next thy Cæsars room.Then a second Ormonds storyLet astonish’d Fame reciteBut she’ll wrong the Heroes GloryTill with Equal flame she writeTo that which He displays in fight.ChorusWith Themes like these ye sons of ArtTreat this Auspicious DayTo bribe the Minutes as they passThose Blessings to bequeath that mayLong, long remain your kindness to repay.