The Heavenly Banquet

"The Heavenly Banquet" is the fourth song of Samuel Barber's song cycle Hermit Songs. The cycle was composed in 1953 and published in 1954. The premiere was sung by soprano Leontyne Price.

The poem is a translation of a text by an anonymous Irish monk who lived sometime between the 8th and 13th centuries. The English translation used by Barber is by Irish writer Seán Proinsias Ó Faoláin.

Date: 1954Composer: Samuel BarberText: AnonymousSong Collection: Hermit Songs, Op. 29

Print vitals & song text

Text

The Heavenly Banquet

I would like to have the men of Heaven in my own house;
with vats of good cheer laid out for them.
I would like to have the three Mary’s,
their fame is so great.
I would like people from every corner of Heaven.
I would like them to be cheerful in their drinking.
I would like to have Jesus sitting here among them.
I would like a great lake of beer for the King of Kings.
I would like to be watching Heaven’s family
Drinking it through all eternity.

Sheet Music

Samuel Barber: 65 Songs (G. Schirmer, high voice)

Composer(s): Samuel Barber

Voice Type: High

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Samuel Barber: 65 Songs (G. Schirmer, medium-low voice)

Composer(s): Samuel Barber

Voice Type: Medium/Low

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