Choral Choir (SATB) - Digital Download

SKU: A0.933612

Composed by Carl Maria von Weber. Arranged by Thomas Coker. Christian,Sacred. Octavo. 6 pages. Thomas Rembert Coker Jr #3504391. Published by Thomas Rembert Coker Jr (A0.933612).

About the hymn

According to Scotty Wayne Gray’s description in Handbook to the Baptist Hymnal (1992), John Wesley first published Depth of Mercy! In 1740 under the heading After a Relapse into Sin. The original hymn included 13 four-line stanzas. Later, these were reduced to a more manageable four stanzas, here altered by Brenda Coker.  This hymn has been very meaningful, especially in Methodist circles where it has been published in almost all of their hymnals. It clearly reflects the struggle of repentance and acceptance of God’s forgiveness in Christ.

The tune is taken from the opening chorus of Carl Maria von Weber’s last opera, Oberon and was put in hymn format by the organist of the Center Church in Hartford, CT, Henry W. Greatorex, in 1851.

About the arrangement

Originally written in the late 70’s or early 80’s for the Sanctuary Choir at Columbia Baptist Church in Falls Church, VA, this arrangement was published in 1998 by Alliance Music in Houston, TX. Given back to the composer about 2009, the current version uses the same page and bar numbers as the originally published version.