Cantique de Jean Racine

Word of God, our only hope,
Eternal light of the earth and the heavens,
We break the silence of the peaceful night;
Divine Saviour, bestow Thy gaze eyes upon us !
Lay upon us the fire of Thy mighty grace,
That all hell may flee the sound of Thy voice;
Banish the slumber of a languishing soul,
Which makes it forgetful of Thy laws !
O Christ, be mercyful to Thy faithful people
Assembled here to praise Thee;
Recaive the songs they offer to Thy immortal glory;
May they return laden with Thy gifts.
(Translated from hymns from the Roman Breviary)
- Cantique de Jean Racine - Gabriel Faur? (1845-1924)
Corydon Singers English Chamber Orchestra
Matthew Best 
The Cantique de Jean Racine, dedicated to C?sar Franck, is an early work, dating from 1863. A recitent piece for four-part mixed choir and organ, it won the composer the first prize for composition at the Ecole Niedermeyer, where art that time he was still a student.