Although Vaughan Williams worked diligently in the period 1904 - 1906 editing the English Hymnal, with the Rev. Percy Dearmer, he did not receive credit for some of his work when that edition was published in 1906. He did some revisions on the English Hymnal for a new issue in 1933, at which time he was finally credited with the harmonizing of 13 hymns, among which was "Christ, the Fair Glory." He used the melody from the "Coelites plaudant" (heaven praises), which can be traced to the Rouen (Normandy) Antiphoner of 1728. The text comes from a ninth century Latin verse, translated by Athelstan Riley in 1906.

The hymn begins with the words, "Christ, the fair glory of the holy angels/thou who hast made us, thou who o'er us rulest..." The melody is joyous in its somewhat angular contour, comforting without suggesting the least sadness. Vaughan Williams' harmonizing does not actually alter its character, but does manage to give it a bit more British regality, a bit less leanness. The composer wisely keeps his harmonies simple, refraining from allowing his stylistic voice to intrude. The "Coelites plaudant" tune was also used in several other hymns, including "By the Creator, Joseph Was Appointed" and "Only-Begotten, Word of God Eternal." In sum, while this will not attract those looking for original Vaughan Williams compositions, it will appeal to those interest in sacred and choral music.

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