Composer interview: Yuriy Kravets (Look, Ye Saints)

128 views • Nov 12, 2025

Description

Yuriy Kravets shares the inspiration behind "Look, Ye Saints" and identifies some compositional techniques and favorite moments in the piece. 

Watch and listen to "Look, Ye Saints" here: https://youtu.be/w8K_DV6xEtI

The Historic Faith · Hymn Companion

Composer interview: Yuriy Kravets (Look, Ye Saints)

Words by Thomas KellyMusic by William Henry MonkWritten 1809Tune CORONAE

Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious;
See the Man of Sorrows now;
From the fight returned victorious,
Every knee to Him shall bow:
Crown Him! Crown Him!
Crowns become the Victor's brow.

Crown the Saviour! angels, crown Him!
Rich the trophies Jesus brings;
In the seat of power enthrone Him,
While the vault of heaven rings:
Crown Him! Crown Him!
Crown the Saviour King of kings.

Sinners in derision crowned Him,
Mocking thus the Saviour's claim;
Saints and angels crowd around Him,
Own His title, praise His name:
Crown Him! Crown Him!
Spread abroad the Victor's fame.

Hark! those bursts of acclamation!
Hark! those loud triumphant chords!
Jesus takes the highest station;
O what joy the sight affords:
Crown Him! Crown Him!
King of kings, and Lord of lords.

Story Behind the Song

Thomas Kelly, an Irish evangelical preacher and prolific hymn writer, published this Ascension and coronation hymn in the early nineteenth century. The text exalts the risen Christ as the victorious Man of Sorrows now enthroned as King of kings. It has often been sung to William Henry Monk's tune CORONAE, which helped make the hymn widely known in Anglican and Protestant hymnals.

Scripture

Found In

Trinity Hymnal, The Hymnal 1982, The Presbyterian Hymnal, Baptist Hymnal, Hymns Ancient and Modern