Score
Lo, there is light! : mixed voices (SSAATTBB) a cappella / [music by] Matthew Orlovich ; [text by] Reginald Heber and A.B. 'Banjo' Paterson.
Library shelf no. 782.28/ORL 1 [Available for loan]
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Work Overview
Lo, there is light! draws upon two texts; "Brightest and best of
the sons of the morning" by the English poet Bishop Reginald
Heber (1783 - 1826), and an extract of two verses from "Sunrise
on the Coast" by the Australian poet A.B. "Banjo" Paterson (1864
- 1941).
Bishop Heber's text reflects upon the birth of "our infant
Redeemer" and conveys the excitement and wonderment that
surrounds this great occasion. The setting is spirited and
lively, drawing upon a rhythmic drone which, when passed between
parts of the choir, forms the accompaniment to a bright,
pentatonic melodic line.
A.B. "Banjo" Paterson's text is set as two interludes that appear
during the setting of Bishop Heber's text. The two interludes
depict, through the eyes of a seasoned wandering balladist, the
breaking of dawn over the sea. Paterson's words inspired a calm
and tranquil texture of humming, with tenor voices singing of the
coming of an evanescent and tender light in all its hues of
ruby-red, purple, scarlet and gold.
Work Details
Year: 1996
Instrumentation: SSAATTBB choir.
Duration: 4 min.
Difficulty: Advanced
Commission note: Commissioned for Harvard University Choir.
First performance: by Harvard University Choir, Murray Forbes Somerville — 15 Dec 96. 87th Annual Harvard Carol Services, The Memorial Church, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass, USA.
Subjects
- In the form/style of: Carols
- In the form/style of: Christmas Music
Performances of this work
3 May 2025: at Resounding Light (St Mary's Cathedral (Hobart)).
3 May 97: Cathedral of St Paul, St Paul, Minnesota, USA.. Featuring Graeme Morton, St Olaf Cantorei.
15 Dec 96: 87th Annual Harvard Carol Services, The Memorial Church, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass, USA. . Featuring Harvard University Choir, Murray Forbes Somerville.
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