18th December, 2022
Jesukin op 4 no 2
- from Two Songs for Voice and Harp
Edmund Rubbra 1901 -1986
Jesukin written in 1922 is a setting of a text by St Ita (480-570 AD).
Rubbra’s musical writing in this is modal (i.e. not in a more modern sounding key) which lends itself to the archaic English and Latin mixture of the words.
However, this is no mere pastiche of mediaeval music and it has a rapt, meditative quality.
Although this song is published together with A Hymn to the Virgin op. 13 no 2, Jesukin was first paired by Rubbra with an unaccompanied song op. 4 no 1, called the Mystery.
Jesukin
Lives my little cell within;
What were wealth of cleric high?
All is lie but Jesukin.
Sons of kings and kingly kin,
To my land may enter in;
Guest of none I hope to be,
Save of Thee, my Jesukin.
Unto Heav’ns High King confest
Sing a chorus, maidens blest!
He is o’er us, though within,
Jesukin is on my breast.
Accompaniment performed on David Opera Model Concert Harp