Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Hymn

Compose Date

:

1906

Publication Date

:

1906

Average_duration

:

3:41

"It Is a Thing Most Wonderful" is a hymn composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1924. The hymn was first published in the Oxford Book of Carols in 1928. The hymn is based on the text of a poem by William Walsham How, a bishop of the Anglican Church. The poem is a meditation on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the wonder of God's love for humanity. The hymn is composed in a simple, yet powerful style that is characteristic of Vaughan Williams' music. It is written in the key of G major and is in 4/4 time. The melody is simple and easy to sing, with a range of only an octave and a half. The harmonies are also simple, with mostly diatonic chords and occasional use of chromaticism. The hymn is divided into three verses, each of which is preceded by an instrumental interlude. The first verse begins with the words "It is a thing most wonderful, almost too wonderful to be," and reflects on the wonder of God's love for humanity, as demonstrated by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. The second verse begins with the words "It is a thing most wonderful, all the wonder of which we know," and reflects on the mystery of the incarnation and the power of Christ's resurrection. The third verse begins with the words "It is a thing most wonderful, almost too wonderful to believe," and reflects on the hope of eternal life that is offered to all who believe in Christ. Overall, "It Is a Thing Most Wonderful" is a beautiful and moving hymn that reflects on the central themes of the Christian faith. Its simple melody and harmonies make it accessible to congregations of all levels of musical ability, while its powerful message of God's love and sacrifice make it a favorite of many Christians around the world.

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