The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is made up of some 360 men and women, all of whom are volunteers. There are many husband-wife combinations and many families have participated in the choir for generations. Choir members are currently limited to twenty years of participation, allowing new members to join the choir on a regular basis.
The choir was founded in August 1847, one month after the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. The choir is completely self-funded, traveling and producing albums to support their organization. Choir members are not paid for their participation or performances.
Although the choir has traditionally been recognized for its sound quality, the most recent director, Craig Jessop, a student of Robert Shaw, has made changes designed to improve the overall quality of the choir. Jessop's efforts to add vitality to the choir's sound include the formation of The Orchestra at Temple Square, the 2005 addition of The Bells on Temple Square (a hand bell choir), and continual refinement of the choir's tone, enunciation, and repetoire. The minimum age for participation has been reduced from 30 to 25. In addition, new choir members participate in The Temple Square Chorale training choir, a combination music theory/performance school led by associate director and composer/arranger Mack Wilberg.
Achieved Is The Glorious Work
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The Lord beholds it and is pleas'd.
The Lord beholds it and is pleas'd.
The Lord beholds it and is pleas'd.
In lofty strains let us rejoice!
In lofty strains let us rejoice!
Our song let be the praise of God.
Our song let be the praise of God.
The praise of God.
In lofty strains let us rejoice!
Our song let be the praise of God.
In lofty strains let us rejoice!
Our song let be the praise of God.
The praise of God.
The praise of God.
Terzetto (Gabriel, Uriel, Raphael)
GABRIEL, URIEL
On thee each living soul awaits;
From thee, O Lord, they beg their meat.
Thou openest thy hand,
Thou openest thy hand,
And sated all they are.
On thee each living soul awaits;
From thee, O Lord, they beg their meat.
Thou openest thy hand,
Thou openest thy hand,
And sated all they are.
RAPHAEL
But as to them thy face is hid,
With sudden terror they are struck.
Thou tak'st their breath away;
They vanish into dust.
Thou tak'st their breath away;
They vanish into dust.
GABRIEL, URIEL, RAPHAEL
Thou lett'st thy breath go forth again,
And life with vigor fresh returns.
Revived earth unfolds new force and new delights.
Revived earth unfolds new force and new delights.
And life with vigor fresh returns.
Revived earth unfolds new force and new delights.
Achieved is the glorious work.
Our song let be the praise of God.
Our song let be the praise of God.
Our song let be the praise of God.
Glory to his name forever;
He sole on high
Exalted reigns, alleluia.
Glory to his name forever;
He sole on high
Exalted reigns, alleluia.
Glory to his name forever;
He sole on high
Exalted reigns, alleluia.
Glory to his name forever;
He sole on high
Exalted reigns, alleluia.
Glory to his name forever;
He sole on high
Exalted reigns, alleluia.
Glory to his name forever;
He sole on high
Exalted reigns, alleluia.
Glory to his name forever;
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's song "Achieved Is The Glorious Work" is a hymn that praises the glory of God and his marvelous creation, as achieved by the work of his own hand. The song opens with the phrase "Achieved is the glorious work; The Lord beholds it and is pleased," indicating that the work that has been accomplished is the creation of the world and everything in it, as ordained by God.
The following verses focus on the beauty and majesty of God's work, and the role that humans play in it. The trio of Gabriel, Uriel, and Raphael sing of how God provides for every living being on earth, from the smallest insect to the largest whale, and how he revives the earth with his breath, bringing new life and new delights.
The hymn then concludes with a repetition of the phrase "Our song let be the praise of God," emphasizing the importance of giving glory and honor to God for all that he has accomplished. Overall, "Achieved Is The Glorious Work" is a declaration of faith and gratitude, celebrating the power and majesty of God and his amazing creation.
Line by Line Meaning
Achieved is the glorious work;
The impressive deed has been completed;
The Lord beholds it and is pleas'd.
God approves of what has been accomplished.
In lofty strains let us rejoice!
Let us express our joy in exalted music!
Our song let be the praise of God.
We will make our music a tribute to God.
The praise of God.
Our music is a song of gratitude for God.
Terzetto (Gabriel, Uriel, Raphael)
Three angels speak in turn.
On thee each living soul awaits;
Every being depends on you for sustenance.
From thee, O Lord, they beg their meat.
They ask for food from you, Lord.
Thou openest thy hand,
You provide generously,
And sated all they are.
And everyone is satisfied.
But as to them thy face is hid,
When you hide your face from them,
With sudden terror they are struck.
They are filled with sudden fear.
Thou tak'st their breath away;
You take their life.
They vanish into dust.
They become nothing.
Thou lett'st thy breath go forth again,
You breathe life into them again,
And life with vigor fresh returns.
So that they can live with renewed vigor.
Revived earth unfolds new force and new delights.
The earth becomes renewed and shows new wonders.
Glory to his name forever;
Praise God's name forever,
He sole on high
Who alone is elevated
Exalted reigns, alleluia.
And rules in glory, alleluia.
Glory to his name forever;
Praise God's name forever,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Lyrics © HAL LEONARD LLC
Written by: TRADITIONAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@1gerard84
Cuando era niño el director titular del coro era el hermano Ottley cuando vi este vídeo me dio tanto gusto volverlo a ver tan lleno de vida y feliz, gracias por invitarlo a dirigir nuevamente el coro
@Tim82010
The Famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir is well-known for it's Displinary singing. Bravo Bravo
@aaronvillanueva2239
Sung this as Undergraduate Music Major and have loved it ever since!
@geraldndashe
I love the singing
@chiddyebube3136
Nostalgia 😢
@marcosalejandromoralesdela4453
Mi infancia estaba en la batuta del Maestro Jerold Don Ottley.
@baritonobelcantista5201
BRAVO MR OTTLEY
@zinabulove3454
perfect.God bless you all
@day2139
I sung this!
@BornAgainstMormons
I enjoy the music.