People, Look East
SATB choral/organ score
PEL2106-Choir and Organ
A WORK FOR SATB CHOIR AND ORGAN
"People, Look East" is a setting of the well-known Advent hymn with Halley's signature lush harmonies and several intricate rhythmic passages to establish a mood of joyful anticipation of the coming of Christmas.
Commissioned by the Reverend Canon Robert Hulse in memory of his first organist and choirmaster in 1964, Shirley C. MacRae, on behalf of The Edison Singers.
Notes
This work was premiered by The Choir of All Saints Cathedral, Halifax, directed by Paul Halley, at the choir's Christmas concert, "A Rose In Winter", December 2022.
Texts
People, Look East
Words: Eleanor Farjeon, (1881 – 1965)
Music: Besançon melody, arr. Halley (1952-)
1. People, look east. The time is near
Of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able,
Trim the hearth, and set the table.
People, look East and sing today:
Love, the Guest, is on the way.
2. Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare,
One more seed is planted there:
Give up your strength the seed to nourish,
That in course the flower may flourish.
People, look East and sing today:
Love, the Rose, is on the way.
3. Birds, though ye long have ceased to build,
Guard the nest that must be filled.
Even the hour when wings are frozen
He for fledging-time has chosen.
People, look East and sing today:
Love, the Bird, is on the way.
4. Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim
One more light the bowl shall brim,
Shining beyond the frosty weather,
Bright as sun and moon together.
People, look East and sing today:
Love, the Star, is on the way.
5. Angels, announce to man and beast
Him who cometh from the East.
Set every peak and valley humming
With the word, the Lord is coming.
People, look East and sing today:
Love, the Lord, is on the way.
Also: The 7th cent. Latin hymn for Advent
Conditor alme siderum,
aeterna lux credentium,
Christe, redemptor omnium,
exaudi voces supplicum.
Translation:
O generous creator of the stars,
everlasting light of believers,
O Christ, redeemer of us all,
hear the voices of the suppliant.
