Word of God, our only hope, Eternal light of the earth and the heavens, We break the silence of the peaceful night; Divine Saviour, bestow Thy gaze eyes upon us ! Lay upon us the fire of Thy mighty grace, That all hell may flee the sound of Thy voice; Banish the slumber of a languishing soul, Which makes it forgetful of Thy laws ! O Christ, be mercyful to Thy faithful people Assembled here to praise Thee; Recaive the songs they offer to Thy immortal glory; May they return laden with Thy gifts. (Translated from hymns from the Roman Breviary) - Cantique de Jean Racine - Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) Corydon Singers English Chamber Orchestra Matthew Best The Cantique de Jean Racine, dedicated to César Franck, is an early work, dating from 1863. A recitent piece for four-part mixed choir and organ, it won the composer the first prize for composition at the Ecole Niedermeyer, where art that time he was still a student.