Singing the Living Tradition ‎#27

27. I Am That Great and Fiery Force

1 I am that great and fiery force
sparkling in everything that lives;
in shining of the river’s course,
in greening grass that glory gives.

2 I shine in glitter on the seas,
in burning sun, in moon and stars.
In unseen wind, in verdant trees
I breathe within, both near and far.

3 And where I breathe there is no death,
and meadows glow with beauties rife.
I am in all, the spirit’s breath,
the thundered word, for I am Life.

Text Information

• First Line: I am that great and fiery force
• Title: I Am That Great and Fiery Force
• Author: Hildegard of Bingen, 1098-1179
• Meter: L.M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1993
• Topic: Transcending Mystery and Wonder: Praise and Transcendence; Memorials and Funerals; Nature and the Countryside

Tune Information

• Name: AVE VERA VIRGINITAS
• Composer: Josquin Desprez, 1445-1521
• Adapter: Anthony Petti, b. 1932
• Meter: L.M.
• Key: B♭ Major