We Will Rejoice For Evermore
SATB choral/organ score
PEL2050-Choir and Organ
A WORK FOR SATB CHOIR AND ORGAN
With text from "Gates of Prayer" of The New Union Prayerbook 1975, "We Will Rejoice For Evermore" is a an inclusive, ecumenical paen to family, community, and service. The graceful and subtly repeating stanzas express praise to our Creator: for the beauty of this earth, for the satisfaction we derive in living in community with others, for the sweet contentment of our homes and family life, for our joy in the children we have nurtured, and our gratitude for the loved ones who have nurtured us in turn.
Halley's beautiful melodies and simple yet rich harmonies create a deeply felt context for the graceful and traditional sensibilities evoked by this text. There is something profoundly moving and unifying here, very American, very Copland-esque. This piece would be appropriate to any community or church celebration, dedication, reunion, or thanksgiving.
Commissioned by First Congregational Church of Evanston, IL in honor of Mr. David Lornson, Director of Music - 2004
Video
Notes
Included in the Pelagosmusic recording "In The Wide Awe And Wisdom", with Keramion Singers, directed by Paul Halley (PEL1006).
Texts
We Will Rejoice For Evermore
Words: Adapted from ‘Gates of Prayer’, 1975 (The New Union Prayerbook)
Music: Paul Halley (1952 - )
Let us rejoice in the light of day,
in the glory and warmth of the sun,
in the reawakening of life, to duty and labor.
We rejoice in the light of day.
In the quiet night, with its rest from toil
showing worlds beyond the dark,
and its revelation of eternity.
We rejoice in the peace of night.
In the earth with its hills and valleys,
its widespread fields of grain,
its fruit and hidden treasures.
We rejoice in earth’s beauty today.
In the strength to win our daily bread,
and in homes where we find refuge
from the cold and storm.
We rejoice in our homes today.
In the love of fathers and mothers,
in those who have nurtured our lives,
with whose blessing we go into the world.
We rejoice in their love today.
In the children who bless our homes,
whose eager hearts and minds
are the promise of tomorrow.
We rejoice in our children today.
In friends who share our sorrows,
in friends who share our joys,
in the fullness of the abundant life,
in the serenity of old age,
in the peace that comes at last.
We rejoice, and will rejoice for evermore.
