Southport Variants

Grade Level 1

Year: 2025

Composer: James Curnow

Program Notes:

Though there are several texts associated with the hymn tune “Southport,” the text stated below is the one chosen by the composer for this brief composition. Charles Wesley (1707-1788) authored the text while English composer Joseph Davies (1844-1921) later coupled his melody (“Southport”) with Wesley’s strong, God glorifying text.

This setting features three simple variants (variations) on Davies melody.

Variant 1
A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify,
A never dying soul to save,
And fit it for the sky.

Variant 2
To serve the present age,
My calling to fulfill,
O may it all my powers engage
To do my Master's will!

Variant 3
Arm me with jealous care,
As in Thy sight to live;
And O Thy servant, Lord, prepare
A strict account to give!

American Instrumental Ensemble Series (AIES/ABES)