O Light of Light, an anthem for SATB a cappella chorus (divisi) with soprano and tenor soloists, was composed in March 2021. It is warmly dedicated to the outstanding British choral conductor and organist, Rupert Gough.
The authorship of the 10th century Latin hymn text that I have set, O Nata Lux de Lumine, is unknown. Based on Chapter 9 of The Gospel of Luke, the words celebrate the Transfiguration of Christ. Originally in seven stanzas, I have chosen to set stanzas 1, 4 and 6 in an early 20th century English translation by Laurence Housman (1865-1959), which was first published in The English Hymnal (1906).
Dan Locklair
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Duration: 2’ 30”
O Light of Light, Love given birth;
Jesus, Redeemer of the earth;
More bright than day your face did show,
Your raiment whiter than the snow.
Two prophets, who had faith to see,
With your elect found company;
The heavens above your glory named,
Your Father’s voice his Son proclaimed.
May all who seek to praise aright
Through purer lives show forth your light.
To you, the King of glory now
All faithful hearts adoring bow.
Anonymous Latin hymn (10th century)
Translation by Laurence Housman