When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross sheet music is a beautiful old hymn. Use this sheet music for church, worship meetings, and especially communion services.
*Listen to a recording of the piano version, in the key of F*
This recording of me, playing piano, is by no means flawless, but it's just me and my iPhone here, not a recording studio! It's very hard to record a piano nicely; this will have to do...
This song is so beautiful, that it deserves a setting that changes from verse-to-verse, to avoid the doldrums of sameness, and to emphasize the meaning of the lyrics.
Verse 2 is different
Verse 3 is different again
This verse is just like the 4-part harmony found in the hymnal. I like the slow and meditative contrast to the previous verses very much for singing verse 3, which focuses on Christ on the Cross.
Page 4 includes all the lyrics
--and moves back into a more fluid sound.
Please scroll down the page for the sheet music PDF links.
*Once again, listen to the piano recording*
As singers, it's not fun to trudge through four verses that remain exactly the same. An accomplished pianist can read and play a plain 4-part choral arrangement, making changes with backup chords from verse to verse. But having a version written out can really help!
Four-part harmony, in keys of C, F, & G:
Please scroll down the page for the sheet music PDF links.
This arrangement for 4 voices is the same one that is found in most hymnals. The harmony is lovely.
In the key of G:
Please scroll down the page for the sheet music PDF links.
Lead sheets
Please scroll down the page for the sheet music PDF links.
When you play this song in the key of C, it is easy to see how small the range of the melody is - just 5 notes!
Please scroll down the page for the sheet music PDF links.
Please scroll down the page for the sheet music PDF links.
For many musicians, the key of G is easier to play in. But the range of singable notes may be easier for the singers in the key of F - or the key of C.
What about a piano arrangement?
Scroll down to get the hymn PDF links!
PERMISSIONS:
The creator of SingTheBibleStory.com gives permission to churches and other groups to use this music in recordings, in worship services, and for private use and class situations, EXCEPT FOR MONETARY GAIN. Write me at "Contact" for a usage license if you are wanting to use this music to raise money.
Here are the lyrics in a block of text, INCLUDING PERMISSION from the creator of SingTheBibleStory.com to copy, paste, and use in your church or meeting on an overhead projector, computer, bulletin, or the like:
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
Used with permission of © SingTheBibleStory.com
All Rights Reserved
The link for the piano arrangement:
Download the piano arrangement of When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
The links for the 4-part harmonies:
Download When I Survey the Wondrous Cross in the key of C
Download the 4-part-harmony arrangement in the key of F
Download the hymn arrangement in G
The links for the lead sheets:
Download the hymn lead sheet in the key of C
Download the hymn in the key of F, lead sheet
Download When I Survey the Wondrous Cross lead in the key of G
Thank you for visiting!
Interested in beginner & easy piano music for your piano, voice, & guitar students? Check out my other website, Music-for-Music-Teachers.com!
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Hi, I'm Dana! (Say that like "Anna".) I'm the owner of Music-for-Music-Teachers.com, and this newer site, SingTheBibleStory.com.
Like some of you, I've been playing the piano since early childhood, and have added a few other instruments along the way, plus an interest in arranging and composing music.
I also happen to love the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Christian worldview that portrays The Great War in the heavens, in which we here on earth are destined to be a part.
You can find out more about the reason for this website at the Home page.