The Dawn of Song (Edward Bairstow)

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(Posted 2023-09-18) CPDL #75464:

Editor: David Anderson (submitted 2023-09-18). Score information: Letter, 16 pages, 975 kB Copyright: Personal

Edition notes:

(Posted 2018-10-13) CPDL #51479:

Editor: James Gibb (submitted 2018-10-13). Score information: A4, 13 pages, 198 kB Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Transcribed from the edition on IMSLP.

Possible error(s) identified. See the discussion page for full description.

General Information

Title: The Dawn of Song
Composer: Edward Bairstow
Lyricist: John Rinder

Number of voices: 4vv Voicing: SATB, with some divisi.
Genre: Secular, Partsong

Language: English
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1901 Novello, Ewer, and Co.
Description:

External websites:

Original text and translations

English text

From out the mist of dim and distant ages,
Came forth the spirit of enchanting song,
Unfolding to the world its glorious pages,
That we the theme of angels might prolong.

Low, in our ear, thro' childhood's slumber stealing,
It gently whisper'd of a mother's love;
Sweet lullaby, a magic power revealing,
Soft as the cooing of a tender dove.

Youth's joyous song with gladness fills the morning,
No tone of sadness sweeps its tuneful string,
Of future strife no minor chord gives warning,
Sweet Hope and Love from it eternal spring.

The storms of life like thunder breaking o'er us,
May mar the blend and often change the key;
But He who guides for aye the mighty chorus
Will lead us back to perfect harmony.

The end of life calls forth a dirge of sorrow,
In pensive sorrow chant we nature's hymn;
Our hopes are fixed upon the bright tomorrow,
When we may join the glorious seraphim,

Whose music o'er the earth is ever ringing
In praise of Him who sits enthron'd on high;
In rapture sweet our voices join in singing
Celestial songs, the music of the sky.