Eventide Fall - MVSR1670 | Musica

"Eventide Fall" is based on the poem "Abide with me" by Henry Francis Lyte and the English composer William Henry Monk’s melody "Eventide". The text and music express a prayer to God that he may protect the people in the approaching twilight and not leave them alone in the darkness. Henry Francis Lyte set his poem to music while on his deathbed with tuberculosis. Working on his lines gave him strength and confidence.

Alfred Bösendorfer drew inspiration for his composition "Eventide Fall" from this church song. He musically transports the atmosphere of a church lit by candlelight in the evening. The organist has taken his seat at the instrument and begins with a prelude. A first sustained note forms the basis for his improvisation. He quietly plays a first motif and later repeats it one tone higher. The motif arises from the following chorale, which now raises in a warm tutti. Baritone and Euphonium play it once again, before the high brass takes up the theme, accompanied by a playful counterpoint in the woodwinds. A tenderly fading Amen cadenza ends Alfred Bösendorfer's touching composition.