John Rutter's melodic invention is once more on show.
Full Title As the bridegroom – John Rutter (b.1945)
Notes Written in 1989
Duration 3 minutes
Performers required
- Choir with Baritone Solo accompanied by Organ or Piano
Source of printed music published by OUP
As the bridegroom to his chosen, as the king unto his realm,
As the keeper to the castle, as the pilot to the helm.
As the captain to his soldiers, as the shepherd to his lambs,
So, Lord, art thou to me.
As the fountain in the garden, as the candle in the dark,
As the treasure in the coffer, as the manna in the ark,
As the firelight in the winter, As the sunlight in the spring
So Lord art thou to me.
As the music at the banquet, as the stamp unto the seal,
As refreshment to the fainting, as the wine-cup at the meal,
As the singing on the feast day, as the amen to the prayer,
So Lord art thou to me.
As the ruby in the setting, as the honey in the comb
As the light within the lantern, as the father in the home,
As the eagle in the mountains, as the sparrow in the nest,
So Lord art thou to me.
As the sunshine in the heavens, as the image in the glass,
As the fruit unto the fig tree, as the dew unto the grass,
As the rainbow on the hilltop, as the river in the plain,
So Lord art thou to me.
Music by John Rutter Words by John Tauler (1300-61) trans E F Bevan, altered by John Rutter