Thine Be the Glory, Risen Conquering Son (French: À toi la gloire O Ressuscité), also titled Thine Is the Glory, is an Easter Christian hymn, written by the Swiss writer Edmond Budry (1854–1932) and set to the tune of the chorus "See, the Conqu'ring hero comes" from Handel's oratorio Judas Maccabaeus, the 3rd part. The hymn is sometimes sung at weddings or funerals, and in Ireland is associated with Christmas as well as Easter. An English translation was written in 1923 by Richard Hoyle (1875–1939). This remains under copyright in some jurisdictions. With German lyrics it is sung as an Advent hymn called Tochter Zion, freue dich.
Contents
History
The tune of Thine Be the Glory was written by Handel in 1747, intended for use in Handel's Joshua oratorio; however, when it was played, it was popular enough that Handel added it to Judas Maccabaeus. In 1796, Ludwig Van Beethoven composed twelve variations on it for both piano and cello.
In 1884, Edmond L. Budry used Handel's tune and wrote words for them, which he titled "A Toi la Gloire." It is reported that he was inspired to write it after the death of his first wife, Marie de Vayenborg in Lausanne, Switzerland. It was later published in French hymn book, Chants Evangéliques. The hymn was first translated from French into English by Richard B. Hoyle in 1923. He was commissioned to translate the hymn by the World Student Christian Federation after Budry granted authorisation to reproduce it from the French version. It was later published in the World Student Christian Federation's hymn book, Cantate Domino Hymnal. World Student Christian Federation retains copyright on Hoyle's English translation. The hymn is based on the Resurrection of Jesus and uses elements of Isaiah 25:8.
Other versions
In 1957 in the Netherlands, Calvin Seerveld used Thine Be the Glory, with his favourite hymn tune, as a basis to write Praised Be the Father for his wedding. A church choir in Hoorn helped the congregation to sing it. In the Netherlands, it is used as a wedding hymn. In Germany, it is an Advent hymn called Zion's Daughter. It was written by Friedrich-Heinrich Ranke using the same tune as Thine Be the Glory and published in Evangelisches Gesangbuch fur Elsass-Lothringern. It has been argued that Thine Be the Glory was based on this hymn. In Spain it is used as a wedding hymn with the lyrics Canticorum iubilo, probably based on Psalm 96.
Usage
The hymn is often used in church services involving the British Royal Family in Easter services. It was also played during a service of thanksgiving in commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II's 80th birthday. The hymn is also used during funerals and is listed in the Church of England's funeral services hymn book.. During the Last Night of The Proms in the United Kingdom, Thine Be the Glory is played after Fantasia on British Sea Songs with attendees traditionally whistling the tune.
In the Republic of Ireland, Thine Be the Glory traditionally closes the Christmas Eve service at St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, which is broadcast live by the national public service broadcaster RTÉ.
In the Netherlands, the original French version is sung during funerals and weddings of the Dutch Royal Family.
Lyrics
Below are the original lyrics by Edmond Budry with a literal English translation as Hoyle's translation is under copyright: