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.
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Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
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Most gracious Lord
No tender voice like thine
Can peace afford
I need thee oh I need thee
Every hour I need thee
Oh bless me now my savior
I need thee every hour
Stay thou near by
Temptations loose their power
When thou art nigh
I need thee oh I need thee
Every hour I need thee
Oh bless me now my savior
I come to thee
I need thee every hour
Most holy one
Oh make me thine indeed
Thou blessed son
I need thee oh I need thee
Every hour I need thee
Oh bless me now my savior
I come to thee
Oh I need thee
I need thee
Oh bless me now my savior
I come to thee
The lyrics of "I Need Thee Every Hour" are a heartfelt plea from the singer to their savior for constant guidance and strength. The song begins by acknowledging that no voice can bring peace like that of the Lord's. The singer admits that they need their savior every hour, and pleads for blessings to be bestowed upon them. In the next verse, the singer asks for the Lord to stay close by so that they can resist temptation. The final verse addresses the Lord as the "Most Holy One" and asks to be made His own blessed son.
The theme of the song is the need for a higher power to provide guidance, comfort, and strength. The lyrics acknowledge that humans are imperfect and cannot face life's challenges alone. The repetition of the phrase "I need thee" reinforces the desperation of the singer's request for their savior's presence.
Line by Line Meaning
I need thee every hour
I cannot go through life without the help of the Lord and I require his assistance constantly
Most gracious Lord
The Lord is kind and benevolent
No tender voice like thine
No one's voice is as loving and comforting as the Lord's
Can peace afford
Only the Lord can provide true peace and comfort
I need thee oh I need thee
Expressing a heartfelt desire for the Lord's help and guidance
Every hour I need thee
The need for the Lord's help is constant and ongoing
Oh bless me now my savior
Asking the Lord for his blessings and assistance
I come to thee
Approaching the Lord with humility and trust
Stay thou near by
Asking the Lord to remain close and help ward off temptations
Temptations loose their power
The Lord's presence weakens the influence of temptation
When thou art nigh
When the Lord is near
Most holy one
The Lord is pure and righteous
Oh make me thine indeed
Asking to be fully committed and devoted to the Lord
Thou blessed son
Referring to Jesus Christ as the Lord's beloved son
Oh I need thee
Reaffirming the need for the Lord's help and guidance
Oh bless me now my savior
Asking the Lord for his blessings and assistance
I come to thee
Approaching the Lord with humility and trust
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, HOPE PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: STANTON LEE ENDICOTT, ANNIE S. HAWKS, ROBERT LOWRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Gemini530
I was there. It was an amazing experience. The choir, the orchestra, and of course Lea's voice were all spectacular. I can't count how many times I had goosebumps throughout the show.
@PatienceMelissa
Gemini530 I can only imagine...
@lindamartinez7006
How can we see this ?
@lindamartinez7006
I guess it is coming in now on here .
@nhoviecespedes
It’s magical watching and listening to this! I feel like crying! Thank you for this concert! Sir David and our pride Miss Lea Salonga and Tabernacle choir and Orchestra thank you! May everyone have a blessed and wonderful Christmas!
@joan9238
I was there and it was amazing! Lea Salonga's voice harmonized well with the choir and orchestra. I hope that the tabernacle choir will invite her again.
@craftygirls6316
Saan po Ito Maam?magkano po Ang tickets? Salamat po
@joan9238
Sa Salt lake UT po sa conference hall. Free po siya. Kaso last year po iyan. Ngayon lang nila na release. @@craftygirls6316
@brenwilson8125
@@craftygirls6316It’s in Salt Lake City, Utah. There are different guest soloists each year and the tickets are free.
@devinwest4374
@@craftygirls6316this was at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ conference center in Salt Lake City, Utah! tickets are free but you enter your name in a sweepstakes to get them.