Elevation: "Verbum supernum prodiens" (Three Pieces based on Plainsong, No.2)

Clifford Harker (1912-1999) was most known for his long and distinguished tenure as organist of Bristol Cathedral.

He took over the console of Bristol Cathedral at a time of great change. Hubert Hunt had ruled the organ loft for most of the first half of this century but his successor, Alwyn Surplice, stayed for just three years before moving to Winchester. Between his appointment in 1949 and his retirement in 1983, Harker held firm to the musical and choral traditions of Bristol's great 12th-century centre of worship creating a force of stability for those who worshipped and sang there.

"Elevation: 'Verbum supernum prodiens'" is the second of "Three Pieces (based on Plainsong Themes)" published by Bosworth & Co. Ltd. in 1956.

The style is expressive and mystical, with an oscillating figure in the right hand, and the plainsong melody in long notes in the left hand.

The text given by Harker is:

The heav'nly Word proceeding forth,
Yet leaving not the Father's side,
Accomplishing his work on earth.
Had reached at length life's eventide.

"Verbum supernum prodiens" is a Catholic hymn in long metre by St Thomas Aquinas. It was written for the Hour of Lauds in the Divine Office of Corpus Christi.

It is also used during the Advent season.

Several photos of Clifford Harker, as well as some of the magnificent Bristol Cathedral are attached below.