The Hymn of Jesus, Op. 37 / H. 140 was composed in 1917 by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) and stands among the composer's most original and visionary choral works. Drawing its text from the apocryphal Acts of St. John, the work reflects Holst's deep interest in mysticism, ancient religious texts, and nontraditional spirituality, interests that also informed contemporaneous works such as The Planets. Structured in two parts, the composition culminates in a rhythmic and ecstatic setting of the "Hymn of Jesus," combining plainsong influences and highly imaginative orchestration with wordless chorus and antiphonal effects. The work premiered on March 14, 1920, in London under the baton of the composer and was immediately recognized as a bold and innovative contribution to English choral music, with Ralph Vaughan Williams (to whom the work was dedicated) saying he just "wanted to embrace everyone and then get drunk." The Hymn of Jesus, full of spiritual intensity and experimental sonorities, occupies a distinguished place in the 20th-century choral repertoire. Instrumentation: 3(2nd dPicc).2+1(EH).2.2: 4.2.3.0: Timp.Perc(1): Clst.Org.Pno: Str (4.4.3.3.3 in set): 2 Mixed Choruses.Women's Chorus. Reprint edition. The corresponding vocal score, arranged by Holst's student and friend Jane M. Joseph, is available from LudwigMasters' Well Tempered Press (W727091).