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Premiere: 13 December 2010 / The Phoenix Concerts / Gilda Lyons, Elaine Valby, voice
Instrumentation: two voices
Duration: 2:30'
Movements: Idumea | Wayfaring Stranger | Angel Band
Text: Praetorius/Watts (16th/18th century), traditional (19th century), Bradbury/Haskell (19th century) (E)
PROGRAM NOTE
In summer 2006, upon my arrival at The Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, I allowed myself the great indulgence of spending my first week in residence working through a stack of hymns with which I had been trying to spend time. Some new to me, some old favorites, I sang through, read, copied and explored dozens of pieces, landing on a handful that have remained close since; these three are among those that have remained closest. These arrangements are dedicated to the memory of Jeff Milano-Johnson, and to those whose lives he changed forever: family, friend, and wayfaring stranger.
TEXT
Angel Band
My latest sun is sinking fast,
my race is nearly run,
My strongest trials now are past,
My triumph is begun.
refrain:
O come, angel band,
Come and around me stand;
O bear me away on your snowy wings,
To my immortal home,
O bear me away on your snowy wings,
To my immortal home.
I know I'm near the holy ranks
of friends and kindred dear;
I brush the dew on Jordan's bank,
The crossing must be near.
refrain
I've almost gained my heavenly home;
My spirit loudly sings;
The Holy ones behold they come
I hear the noise of wings.
refrain
text: Jefferson Haskell
melody: William Bradbury (1862)
arrangement: Gilda Lyons (2006)