Let The Bright Seraphim
Kiri Te Kanawa Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

lets the bright serapim
in burning, row
their loud, uplifted angel trumpet blow

let the cherubin host,
in tuneful choirs,
touch their immortal herps
with golden wires




Overall Meaning

Kiri Te Kanawa's Let the Bright Seraphim is a classical piece that features a rich mix of powerful vocals and horn instruments. The lyrics, particularly, explore a deep form of religious expression as the singer calls on the angels of the Lord to blow their trumpets and create a divine atmosphere. The lyrics, overall, highlight a sense of power, masculinity, and musical prowess. The writer describes the angels as "burning" and "loud," while referring to their trumpets as "uplifted" and played with passion. What's interesting is that the song borrows heavily from biblical literature and resonates well with listeners who seek a deeper connection with the spiritual world.


The second verse of the song encourages the cherubin host to also join the angelic choir in creating a harmonious sound. The writer describes the cherubin as "touch(ing) their immortal harps with golden wires," referencing the biblical harps played by angels. The mention of the golden wires symbolizes beauty and perfection, adding a touch of richness to the song. As the two choirs sing in unison, the song culminates into a heavenly conversation between God and the angels.


Line by Line Meaning

lets the bright serapim
Allow the radiant, celestial beings


in burning, row
To stand in formation, with fiery passion


their loud, uplifted angel trumpet blow
To play their powerful and triumphant music upon their raised angelic trumpets


let the cherubin host,
Allow the group of small, angelic beings


in tuneful choirs,
To sing together in harmonious unison


touch their immortal herps
To play their enduring harps


with golden wires
Using strings made of pure, precious gold




Contributed by Grace M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Zimatar

This performance catapulted Kiri Te Kanawa an international superstar of the classical music world. She deserves.

65NART

I watched this as a 16 year old in Trinidad 🇹🇹 West Indies and fell in love with Dame Kiri instantly. What a consummate performer, what a diva in the right sense of the word. Fabulous.

Fernando Puig Ramassat

I love the faces she makes while she is singing like saying: I know exactly what I'm doing and I'm enjoying it.

Chi Eg

Kiri was already a famous opera singer at this point. But this performance made her famous around the world and put her on par with Pavarotti and Domingo.

Caitlin Maher

Kiri Te Kanawa is certainly in my top 5 of great sopranos in the past 60 years. She is so versatile even now ie.2016. :)

baritonebynight

Ironically, in late 2016 is when she quietly retired from singing. She is still teaching and every once in a while when teaching she will sing a note or two....and the voice is still very much there.

Charles Rhodes

Did you hear her sing on “ Downton Abbey? Not so good!

Chin D'awares

Who the hell would down-vote this sublime performance? Not liking the dress is no excuse 😉

Matthew Anderson

My favourite of all voices. Beautiful beyond imagining.

Joycie JD

Dame Kiri is sublime

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