Every Valley (shall be exalted - A Voice Cries Out)

This Advent hymn was written by American liturgical composer Robert J. (Bob) Dufford, SJ (b 1943) closely based on Isaiah 40:4 et al.

It was first published in 1970 by New Dawn Music, and today it is published by OCP Publications.

The tune is sometimes called A VOICE CRIES OUT IN THE WILDERNESS. It has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of D, the first few notes are A AB A D D.  

The tune is different for each verse, making it most suitable for use with a cantor.

Downloads

Choral arrangement by Dufford.

Examples

Solo singer with midi backing:

Professional recording:

Solo singer with piano accompaniment:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on page 4 of this document.

The song starts with a four-line chorus, and this is repeated after each of the three verses. A rough outline is:

Chorus:
Every valley shall be exalted,
And every hill made low.
And all God’s people shall see together,
The glory of the Lord.

1 A voice cries out in the wilderness ...

2 Comfort all my people ...

3 Stand upon the mountain top ...