for unaccompanied SATB choir
Words by Andrew Hawes
for uaccompanied SATB choir
Words by Andrew HawesPremiered as a Virtual Performance by The Self-Isolation Choir, under the musical direction of Ben England, December 2020.
Duration: circa 4 minutes
Still, still the night.
Black, black the sky.
A star is rising bright and sheds a healing light:
O lux aeterna natus est.
Slow, slow it dawns;
Soft, soft the sound.
The star is singing high and clear this melody: O lux aeterna natus est.
Light, light as fire, Falls, falls like sparks,
This melody and harmony is burning hearts:
O lux aeterna natus est.
Shine! Shine! O Light!
Sing! Sing! O star!
Humility and tenderness is in your gift –
O lux aeterna natus est.
Lift! Lift your voice!
Seek! Seek this light!
Nativity in simplicity transfigures allO lux aeterna natus est.
Words: Andrew Hawes (1954 – )
Written for The Self-Isolation Choir which was formed in 2020 in response to the Covid-19 lockdown, this carol is imbued with both a sense of longing and the hope that a healing light may be born to comfort mankind. Apart from the extended ending, the carol is in a simple strophic form. This means that details of dynamics and phrasing need to be carefully observed in order to convey the all-important light and shade of the still and meditative atmosphere.
Also available from Hawes Music:
for unaccompanied SATB choir
for SATB choir and piano
Word for unaccompanied SATB choir
The Lord’s Prayer (from The Edenham Eucharist for SATB choir and organ
The Edenham Eucharist a communion setting (Common Worship, Order One) for celebrant, congregation, organ and optional SATB choir
Come
for unaccompanied SATB choir
The Stable Carol for divided soprano voices and piano
Little Ones for divided soprano voices and organ
ISBN
9781910623589
