Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones

Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones
Original publication: English Hymnal, 1906
GenreHymn
Written1906
TextAthelstan Riley
Based onPsalm 135:1-3
Meter8.8.8.8.8.8.8.4
Melody"Lasst uns erfreuen"

"Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones" (Latin: Vigiles et Sancti) is a popular Christian hymn with text by Athelstan Riley, first published in the English Hymnal (1906). It is sung to the German tune Lasst uns erfreuen (1623).[1][2] Its uplifting melody and repeated "Alleluias" make this a favourite Anglo-Catholic hymn during the Easter season, the Feast of All Saints, and other times of great rejoicing.

The hymn was also notably adapted for the final movement of The Company of Heaven (1937), a cantata by Benjamin Britten.[3]

  1. ^ Shomsky, Tiffany. "Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones: Worship Notes". Hymnary.org. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  2. ^ Riley, Athelstan (1906). "519. Ye watchers and ye holy ones". The English Hymnal. Oxford University Press. pp. 672–673. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  3. ^ "Britten: The Company of Heaven". AllMusic. Retrieved 16 April 2017. Sample... XI. Ye watchers and ye holy ones