GILDA LYONS

three unaccompanied voices (2008)

19 December 2008
The Phoenix Concerts
Church of St. Matthew and Saint Timothy, NYC
Ruth Cunningham, Gilda Lyons and Elaine Valby, voice

three unaccompanied voices

Traditional

Dost thou in a manger lie, who has all created

stretching infant hands on high, Savior long awaited

If a monarch, where they state? Where thy court on thee to wait?

Royal purple where? Here no regal pomp we see;

Naught but need and penury. Why thus cradled here?

"For the world a love supreme brought me to this stable;

all creation ot redeem I alone am able.

By this lowly birth of mine, sinner, riches shall be thine,

matchless gifts and free; willingly this yoke I take,

and this sacrifice I make, heaping joys for thee."

Christ we praise with voices bold, laud and honor raising;

For these mercies manifold join the host in praising;

Father glory be to thee for the wondrous charity

of they son our lord. Better withness to thy worth,

purer praise than ours on earth, angels songs afford.

-text from Episcopal 1982 Hymnal # 97

Arrangement by Gilda Lyons of a tune by Ruth Cunningham

—