Onward, Christian Soldiers
SATB choral/organ score
PEL5013-Choir and Organ
A HYMN ARRANGEMENT OF ARTHUR SULLIVAN'S TUNE FOR SATB CHOIR AND ORGAN
Although Sabine Baring-Gould's text has lost some popularity in recent days, Halley's arrangement brings a freshness to the words. The 2-in-a-bar flow and the less than predictable harmonies emphasize the valiant more than the militaristic. There is even a certain poignancy in the 3rd verse at the words "We are not divided, All one body we, One in hope and doctrine, One in charity."
Texts
1 Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!
Christ, the royal Master,
leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
see his banner go!
Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!
2 At the sign of triumph
Satan's host doth flee;
On, then, Christian soldiers,
on to victory!
Hell's foundations quiver
at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices,
loud your anthems raise! [Refrain]
3 Like a mighty army
moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading
where the saints have trod;
We are not divided;
all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine,
one in charity. [Refrain]
4 Onward, then, ye people,
join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices
in the triumph song;
Glory, laud, and honor,
unto Christ the King;
This thro' countless ages
men and angels sing. [Refrain]
Words by Sabine Baring-Gould, 1865
