I am very much a “heart music” person. The funny thing is when I try to explain what music can do to me I describe it more as being stabbed in the gut. But no one would want to hear “I’m a stomach music” sort. Right?
In any case, this … this is truly lovely. The poem is by Sara Teasdale. She appears so frequently in music. Her story, though, is a sad one and, as seems to happen with a lot of poets, she took her own life.
www.elainehagenberg.com
“Music of Stillness” by Elaine Hagenberg
poem by Sara Teasdale
Performed by Oxford Singers
Conducted by Bob Chilcott
Published by Oxford University Press
There will be rest, and sure stars shining
Over the roof-tops crowned with snow,
A reign of rest, serene forgetting,
The music of stillness holy and low.
I will make this world of my devising
Out of a dream in my lonely mind.
I shall find the crystal of peace, – above me
Stars I shall find.
Carl Schalk: Before the Marvel of the Night, arr. Culloton
The Singers; Matthew Culloton, Conductor; Merilee Klemp, Oboe; Min Kim, Harp
1 Before the marvel of this night,
adoring, fold your wings and bow;
then tear the sky apart with light
and with your news the world endow.
Proclaim the birth of Christ and peace,
that fear and death and sorrow cease:
sing peace; sing peace; sing gift of peace;
sing peace; sing gift of peace!
2 Awake the sleeping world with song:
this is the day the Lord has made.
Assemble here, celestial throng,
in royal splendor come arrayed.
Give earth a glimpse of heavenly bliss,
a teasing taste of what they miss:
sing bliss; sing bliss; sing endless bliss;
sing bliss; sing endless bliss!
3 The love that we have always known,
our constant joy and endless light,
now to the loveless world be shown,
now break upon its deathly night.
Into one song compress the love
that rules our universe above:
1 Before the marvel of this night,
adoring, fold your wings and bow;
then tear the sky apart with light
and with your news the world endow.
Proclaim the birth of Christ and peace,
that fear and death and sorrow cease:
sing peace; sing peace; sing gift of peace;
sing peace; sing gift of peace!
2 Awake the sleeping world with song:
this is the day the Lord has made.
Assemble here, celestial throng,
in royal splendor come arrayed.
Give earth a glimpse of heavenly bliss,
a teasing taste of what they miss:
sing bliss; sing bliss; sing endless bliss;
sing bliss; sing endless bliss!
3 The love that we have always known,
our constant joy and endless light,
now to the loveless world be shown,
now break upon its deathly night.
Into one song compress the love
that rules our universe above:
sing love, sing love, sing God is love;
sing love, sing love, sing God is love.
Elaine Hagenberg: All Praise To Thee (text is based on Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ from a chorale written by Martin Luther)
More Info:
www.elainehagenberg.com
“All Praise to Thee” by Elaine Hagenberg
Text by Martin Luther
www.elainehagenberg.com
Conducted by Craig Courtney
Accompanied by Dan Forrest
Published with Beckenhorst Press
Ola Gjeilo: Evening Prayer
Festival Singes of Florida; Kevin Fenton, Director; Umcolisi Terrell, Tenor Saxophone
Watch, O Lord,
with those who wake,
or watch or weep tonight,
and give your angels charge
over those who sleep.
Tend your sick ones,
O Lord Jesus Christ;
rest your weary ones;
bless your dying ones;
soothe your suffering ones;
pity your afflicted ones;
shield your joyous ones;
and all for your love’s sake.
Amen.
I know there are some who have recently suffered losses that make this holiday season so very difficult. Of course some of us suffered losses not-so-recently and we still miss our dear ones greatly. I’m posting this for anyone who needs the beauty.
This is written by a young composer, JW Keckley. He is singing in the choir. I don’t know the story behind the work, but I suspect it may have been written for a family member, as someone comments, “That is a beautiful song and a wonderful tribute to your father. He would be very very proud of you.”
Indeed.
Lux aeterna
St. Olaf Choir; Anton Armstrong
“Lux æterna luceat eis, Domine,
cum sanctis tuis in æternum,
quia pius es.
Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine;
et lux perpetua luceat eis.”
“May everlasting light shine upon them, Lord,
with your saints forever,
for you are kind.
Grant them eternal rest, Lord,
and may eternal light shine upon them.”
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Hear Me At Work
Here are just a few recordings from the past. It's rare I have anything I'm allowed to share, due to union rules.
