Kingsfold

Grade Level 4

Year: 2021

Composer: Bruce Broughton

Program Notes:

“Kingsfold” is a traditional English melody, possibly originating in the Middle Ages. It was included in an anthology, English Country Songs, at the end of the 19th century. Ralph Vaughan Williams heard the tune in Kingsfold, Sussex (hence its name) and included it as a hymn tune in The English Hymnal (1906) to the words “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” by Horatius Bonar (1808-1889). 

I heard the voice of Jesus say, 

“Come unto me and rest. 

Lay down, O weary one, 

Lay down your head upon my breast.” 

I came to Jesus as I was, 

So weary, worn, and sad. 

I found in him a resting place, 

And he has made me glad.

American Instrumental Ensemble Series (AIES/ABES)

[AIES2021]