A Light Shines in the Darkness

SKU: XC.HRMG1835

UPC: 785147105855. English. Fiona Macleod Rabindranath Tagore John Donne Virgil Vahcel Lindsey Text Source: Elizabeth Frye. Scripture: Psalm 23, John 1 :13, Isaiah 60:1, Revelation 21:1, Isaiah :7.

Designed to be accessible for the choir looking to prepare a larger work within the constraints of limited rehearsal time, this work provides conservative ranges and straightforward rhythms that allow time to craft a more artistic performance. Cast in eight movements, this major work draws on texts that examine the many facets of death, the pain of transitions, and the hope and joy of a better place. The work is scored for choir, organ or piano, and optional string orchestra. Each of the movements is available separately; the work as a whole or as individual parts is recommended for concert or liturgical service use. Movements: 1. Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep; 2. I Seek a Faith; 3. The Lord Is My Shepherd; 4. A Light Shines in the Darkness; 5. Death Shall Be No More; 6. I Saw a New Heaven; 7. Love Conquers All; 8. Gaelic Blessing (Deep Peace).

SKU: XC.HRMG1835.2

The grass has dried up and the flower has fallen... but you last forever. Therefore, I seek a faith that sets it right. The poignant text from Vachel Lindsey sets up the idea of relying on faith amid the darkness. Movement 2 from Light Shines in the Darkness establishes a dark tone with glimpses of forward certainty.

SKU: CF.CAS117F

ISBN 9781491153307. UPC: 680160910809. 9 x 12 inches.

Abendstern, composed by Lauren Bernofsky,?evokes an image of a sunset over the tree-covered hills of the Bavarian countryside with the Abendstern, or evening star, shining brightly over the scene. A hauntingly beautiful theme in falling thirds?evokes the treetops as they become darker and murkier. This piece is a wonderful addition to any concert program and can be used as a touching?tribute at a memorial service.
One summer night during a visit to Bavaria in southern Germany, I stood outside on a balcony overlooking the hills of the Bavarian forest, watching the beautiful early-evening sky. It was still light out, but I could make out one solitary star in the sky. As the sun slowly went down, the landscape became more and more dark and indistinct, and the star shone brighter and brighter. My mother-in-law stood there with me. I asked her the name of the star, and she answered, Abendstern (or Evening Star.) I was so moved by what I saw, I went inside and took out my manuscript paper and started to write down this piece. The tree-covered hills and tranquility of the evening are evoked by the theme, whose contour (with little bumps) mirrors the contour of the treetops on the hills. The star is represented by the sustained note E; at the beginning of the piece, it can be heard in a low register in the violas, and over the course of the piece, it is heard in higher and higher octaves, as the star shines ever more brightly. By the end, the landscape has disappeared into the darkness, and now all we see is the star, shining its brightest, and played by the upper strings, now harmonized to convey its brilliant light..
One summer night during a visit to Bavaria in southern Germany, I stood outside on a balcony overlooking the hills of the Bavarian forest, watching the beautiful early-evening sky. It was still light out, but I could make out one solitary star in the sky. As the sun slowly went down, the landscape became more and more dark and indistinct, and the star shone brighter and brighter. My mother-in-law stood there with me. I asked her the name of the star, and she answered, Abendstern (or Evening Star.) I was so moved by what I saw, I went inside and took out my manuscript paper and started to write down this piece. The tree-covered hills and tranquility of the evening are evoked by the theme, whose contour (with little bumps) mirrors the contour of the treetops on the hills. The star is represented by the sustained note E; at the beginning of the piece, it can be heard in a low register in the violas, and over the course of the piece, it is heard in higher and higher octaves, as the star shines ever more brightly. By the end, the landscape has disappeared into the darkness, and now all we see is the star, shining its brightest, and played by the upper strings, now harmonized to convey its brilliant light..
One summer night during a visit to Bavaria in southern Germany, I stood outside on a balcony overlooking the hills of the Bavarian forest, watching the beautiful early-evening sky. It was still light out, but I could make out one solitary star in the sky. As the sun slowly went down, the landscape became more and more dark and indistinct, and the star shone brighter and brighter. My mother-in-law stood there with me. I asked her the name of the star, and she answered, Abendstern (or Evening Star.) I was so moved by what I saw, I went inside and took out my manuscript paper and started to write down this piece. The tree-covered hills and tranquility of the evening are evoked by the theme, whose contour (with little bumps) mirrors the contour of the treetops on the hills. The star is represented by the sustained note E; at the beginning of the piece, it can be heard in a low register in the violas, and over the course of the piece, it is heard in higher and higher octaves, as the star shines ever more brightly. By the end, the landscape has disappeared into the darkness, and now all we see is the star, shining its brightest, and played by the upper strings, now harmonized to convey its brilliant light.

About Carl Fischer Concert String Orchestra Series

This series of pieces (Grade 3 and higher) is designed for advancing ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:

• Expanded use of rhythms, ranges and keys but technical demands are still carefully considered
• More comprehensive bowing techniques
• Viola T.C. included
• Careful selection of keys and degree of difficulty for advancing musicians

SKU: XC.HRMG1835.6

A flowing accompaniment and lyrical vocal lines deliver this reassuring text, God shall wipe away all of their tears and death shall be no more. The sixth movement from Light Shines in the Darkness is presented with piano or organ accompaniment in this stand-alone edition.

SKU: XC.HRMG1835A

UPC: 785147106050.

Score for Strings and Organ (piano).

SKU: XC.HRMG1835.7

The seventh movement from Light Shines in the Darkness sets Virgil’s timeless text, Love conquers all, even death itself. Let us surrender to love. Piano or Organ accompaniment. Perfect for Lent or general use.