E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come

"E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come" is a 1953 motet composed by Paul Manz with lyrics adapted by Ruth Manz. The piece is adapted from text found in the Book of Revelation. It is known as Paul Manz's most notable composition and has been frequently performed by numerous ensembles and choral groups such as the King's College Choir, who are thought to have popularized it.

Composition

Paul and Ruth Manz wrote "E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come" in 1953 during a time when their three-year-old son was critically ill.[1] Reflecting on the time, Ruth Manz reported, "I think we'd reached the point where we felt that time was certainly running out so we committed it to the Lord and said, 'Lord Jesus quickly come'".[1] During this time, she had prepared some text for Paul for a composition based on the Book of Revelation. While at his son's bedside, Paul Manz began drafting the composition, which later became the current piece.[1] Their son did recover, which the couple attributed to the power of prayer.[1]

The motet is written for SATB, and is normally performed at an adagio pace with slight changes in tempo in certain phrases of the piece.

The text of the piece comes from a number of verses in the Book of Revelation, much of which is drawn from chapter 22.[2][3] For instance, the line

And night shall be no more;

they need no light nor lamp nor sun,

for Christ will be their all.

— Manz, E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come, 1953

is taken from Revelation 22:5:[3]

And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

Over one million copies of the composition have been sold.[4] The composition was first published by Concordia Publishing House in 1954 and the copyright was renewed in 1982. In 1987, the copyright was transferred to publisher Birnamwood Publications, a division of MorningStar Music Publishers, Inc.[5]

Notable performances

The piece is often performed in choral settings, and has been performed publicly as early as 1974;[6] it was featured at the Nine Lessons and Carols by King's College Choir[1][7] and has been performed by many other choral groups for similar Christmas and other services.[8][9][10][11] It is one of the signature songs of the Wheaton College Men's Glee Club who perform it with alumni members at the end of every concert.[12] It has also been performed by a mandolin quartet under Windham Hill.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Olson, Dan (21 December 2004). "Christmas hymn born out of anquish". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  2. ^ Laster, James H. (2002). Catalogue of choral music arranged in biblical order : supplement. Lanham, Md. [u.a.]: Scarecrow Press. p. 89. ISBN 081084138X.
  3. ^ a b Gorman, Michael J. (2011). Reading Revelation responsibly : uncivil worship and witness : following the Lamb into the new creation. Eugene, Or.: Cascade Books. pp. 5–6. ISBN 978-1606085608.
  4. ^ "In Memoriam CANTOR EMERITUS: PAUL MANZ". Mount Olive Lutheran Church. Archived from the original on 20 September 2014. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  5. ^ "You are being redirected..." www.ecspublishing.com.
  6. ^ "Oldest Christmas Service Set". Lakeland Ledger. 21 December 1974. Archived from the original on 16 August 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  7. ^ "A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols 2004". King's College, Cambridge. Archived from the original on 24 October 2014. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  8. ^ "Observe 25 Years". The Bryan Times. 24 July 1987. Archived from the original on 16 August 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  9. ^ "Christ Church Choir will present Festival". The Democrat-Reporter. 27 November 2008. Archived from the original on 16 August 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  10. ^ "Lessons and Carols at St. James Church". Times-News. 27 November 2005. Archived from the original on 16 August 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  11. ^ "Choir's concert for Christmas to be on satellite for first time". The Deseret News. 5 December 1998. Archived from the original on 16 August 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  12. ^ Wheaton College (April 15, 2015). E'en So Lord Jesus Quickly Come - Paul Manz | Wheaton College Men's Glee Club (Video). Archived from the original on 2016-03-25.