O Perfect Love – This hymn of probably the lesser-known tune, called “Highwood”, is often sung at weddings or funerals. The arrangement here is for both Orchestra and/or Concert Band with parts for Harp and Optional Piano (Both shown on the score). The only percussion part is for the Timpani. Various combinations of instrumentals from a small group with the keyboard to the full Orchestra are possible. There is a descant part for Oboe, Clarinet, or Trumpet in the final verse. Grade = 3 Duration = 2:25 mins. The MP3 was recorded with NotePerformer 3.

Introduction - Verse 1: Oboe Solo, Strings, Piano, and Harp.

Verse 2: +Woodwinds.

Verse 3: +All Brass plus the Descant for Oboe, Clarinet, and Trumpet (Full Orchestra) plus Timpani.

Tune: Highwood Meter: Irregular Style: Early 20th Century Composer: Richard Runciman Terry (1865 – 1938) Lyricist: Dorothy Blomfield Gurney (1867 – 1936)

The lyrics:

"O perfect Love, all human thought transcending, lowly we kneel in prayer before thy throne, that theirs may be the love which knows no ending, whom thou forevermore dost join in one.

O perfect Life, be thou their full assurance of tender charity and steadfast faith, of patient hope and quiet, brave endurance, with childlike trust that fears not pain nor death.

Grant them the joy which brightens earthly sorrow; grant them the peace which calms all earthly strife, and to life’s day the glorious unknown morrow that dawns upon eternal love and life."

Playing score at Youtube: https://youtu.be/xct8cwWA1_o