1000 Songs/jubilus

jubilus

1000 Songs

Author
St. Bernard of Clairvaux was a French abbot and helped to reform the Cisterian order of monks in the 12th century. He contributed many works and hymns to Christian literature.

Translations/Challenges
James W. Alexander's translation is the most accurate translation of this hymn.

Arrangements
"Jesus the Very Thought of Thee" is a paraphrased translation of this text, and far better known than any other arrangements that might exist. The popularly paired tune of this hymn was written by John B. Dykes for Hymnal for Use in the English Church and is titled ST. AGNES, after the young virgin martyr from the 3rd century.

Editor's Choice
Musically, I prefer this arrangement to any other. It is very singable and the lyrics, while still a little dated, are much easier to understand than the original translation.