Softly Now the Light of Day features a tune by Carl
Maria von Weber, one of my favorite composers, who was
one of those writers that bridged the gap between the
classical and romantic era. This particular tune first
made its debut in Oberon, Weber's last opera. In 1851,
Henry W. Greatorex (best known for writing the most
famous tune to "Glory Be to the Father") published it
as a hymn tune--since then, several lyrics have been
set to its tune, but the most commonly set words are
"Softly Now the ...(+)
Softly Now the Light of Day features a tune by Carl
Maria von Weber, one of my favorite composers, who was
one of those writers that bridged the gap between the
classical and romantic era. This particular tune first
made its debut in Oberon, Weber's last opera. In 1851,
Henry W. Greatorex (best known for writing the most
famous tune to "Glory Be to the Father") published it
as a hymn tune--since then, several lyrics have been
set to its tune, but the most commonly set words are
"Softly Now the Light of Day." Since this is in the
"Hymns of Worship: Evening" section of Great Hymns of
the Faith, I have once again attempted to arrange it in
a Chopin Nocturne style. This arrangement is ideally
suited for opening an evening church service, though it
could also be used as an offertory. Hope you
enjoy!
1. Softly now the light of day
Fades upon my sight away;
Free from care, from labor free,
Lord, I would commune with Thee.
2. Thou, Whose all-pervading eye
Naught escapes without, within,
Pardon each infirmity,
Open fault and secret sin.
3. Soon for me the light of day
Shall forever pass away;
Then, from sin and sorrow free,
Take me, Lord, to dwell with Thee.
4. Thou Who, sinless, yet hast known
All of man’s infirmity;
Then, from Thine eternal throne,
Jesus, look with pitying eye.
PARTITION