Description
This new hymn with a commissioned text by poet Michael Dennis Browne works beautifully for Christmas concerts. Each stanza is composed for a different voicing, so it is perfect for mass choirs. The addition of percussion helps the music transcend to an enlightened state of joy.
Performed by the Carthage College choirs, Dr. Peter Dennee conductor
Perusal Scores
Text
The Earth before You came to be
Was never such a place as this,
So filled with Holy Mystery;
The Earth before You came to be.
You come to lead us all to You
Who lay upon the simple straw
With creatures breathing by Your side;
You come to lead us all to You.
Within each heart You make Your home;
We once were hungry, now we feed;
You open every life to love;
Within each heart You make Your home.
We once were shadow, now we shine;
All pilgrims on the path of light.
O kingdom come, we call Your Name;
We once were shadows, now we shine.
Our joy to be what You have dreamed,
Von Himmel hoch, das komm’ ich her,
Our joy to know this grace you share,
Ich bring euch gute neue Mar;
O more than human voice can tell,
Der guten Mar bring ich so viel;
Our joy to be what You have dreamed,
Davon ich singen und sagen will.
– Michael Dennis Browne
Composer Notes
I will never forget the first time I sang in the St. Olaf Christmas Festival when I was 18 years old. It was a beautiful and overwhelming experience for me. I can still close my eyes and remember standing next to my fellow Manitou Singers, surrounding the audience, singing My Song in the Night by Paul Christianson, my eyes filling with tears. It continues to be one of my most cherished musical memories.
When composing “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come,” I wanted to capture all of my favorite elements of the Christmas Festival experience: a lyrical and endearing melody, rich harmonies, elegant and meaningful text (thanks to poet Michael Dennis Browne), and an extraordinary, breathtaking climax. The music is meant to be emotional, to take your breath away, and evoke a sense of awe. This is the power of the incredible Lutheran Christmas Festival tradition of which I am so honored to be a part.
– Jocelyn Hagen