jubilus

1000 Songs

Text edit

Author edit

St. Bernard of Clairvaux was a French abbot and helped to reform the Cisterian order of monks in the 12th century. He contributed many works and hymns to Christian literature.

Translations/Challenges edit

James W. Alexander's translation is the most accurate translation of this hymn.

Editor's Choice edit

Music edit

Tune edit

Arrangements edit

"Jesus the Very Thought of Thee" is a paraphrased translation of this text, and far better known than any other arrangements that might exist. The popularly paired tune of this hymn was written by John B. Dykes for Hymnal for Use in the English Church and is titled ST. AGNES, after the young virgin martyr from the 3rd century.

Editor's Choice edit

Musically, I prefer this arrangement to any other. It is very singable and the lyrics, while still a little dated, are much easier to understand than the original translation.

Background edit

Author biography edit

Author's circumstances edit

Historical setting edit

Cultural setting edit