for SATB chorus with assembly, organ, handbells or handchimes, and oboe

text by Anne LeCroy
tune by Richard Dirksen, arr. ZMH

Washington National Cathedral Series
MorningStar Music, 50-5915

Rich in imagery, Anne LeCroy's evening hymn is perfectly matched with this chant-like tune (INNISFREE FARM) by Richard Dirksen.

In this setting, "Highben creates an atmosphere of peaceful adoration. Random ringing from the handbells begins the setting, joined by a quiet organ accompaniment and an unadorned woodwind melody. After a unison stanza with organ, the women sing stanza 2...crowned by gentle bell tones and supported by organ. Highben incorporates the congregation...on stanza 3, where all men sing in unison below a two-part descant sung by the choir women. All sing in unison again on stanza 4, with a woodwind descant, before the choir sings stanza 5, in four-part a cappella harmony. To conclude, the random ringing returns, and bells and voices fade to nothing at the end of the piece ('now and forever')."  
       ~ Cross Accent review, March 2013

Dedicated to Catherine Rodland.