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Doctrinal Content
To help remind the children of the role of Saint John the Baptist as herald of the coming of Christ.
Origin of Text
Hymn in Latin by Charles Coffin (1676-1749) a Jansenist, translated into English by the Anglican priest Rev. John Chandler (1806-1876)
Origin of Melody
Hymn tune: Winchester New, adapted from a German tune, “Musicalisches Handbuch” Hamburg, 1690
Musical Analysis
Major key
Time signature – 4/4
Note values – quarter notes
Intervals – ascending and descending 4th, descending half step, descending Major 3rd,
descending minor 3rd
Teaching Recommendations
Rhymes in the poetry help the youngest children memorize the words.
It is not recommended with children who are not yet reading to ask them to sing more than one verse.
Copyright
Melody – Public Domain
Text – Public Domain