O Trinity of Blessed Light (Anthem for SATB Chorus, a cappella) was composed in August 2021 and is dedicated to friend and outstanding church musician, Joseph Causby (Director of Music and Organist, Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, North Carolina).
The original 6th-century Latin words of the first two stanzas of this strophic hymn are attributed to St. Ambrose of Milan. In the 19th century, the well-known Anglican priest and hymn writer, John Mason Neale (1818-1866), translated Ambrose’s words into English. A third stanza to the original Latin hymn, by the rector of the University of Paris, Charles Coffin (1676 -1749), was translated by the Anglican priest and hymn writer, John Chandler (1806-1876).
The “blessed light” of the Trinity was the impetus behind my short lyrical setting of these familiar Trinitarian words.
Dan Locklair
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Duration : 2 minutes
O Trinity of blessed light,
O Unity of princely might,
the fiery sun now goes his way;
shed thou within our hearts thy ray.
To thee our morning song of praise,
to thee our evening prayer we raise;
O grant us with thy saints on high
to praise thee through eternity.
To God the Father, heavenly Light,
to Christ revealed in earthly night,
to God the Holy Ghost we raise
our equal and unceasing praise.
St. Ambrose of Milan (Latin, 6th century)
John Mason Neale, trs.
Stanza #3: Charles Coffin (Latin, 18th century)
John Chandler, trs.