"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.
Keywords
getragen
calm
Candlelight
Catholic Church
Chorale
Church / Religios Building
Church Song / Hymns
Combinable: accordion orchestra + wind orchestra
Ecumene
Evangelical / Protestant church
Evening
Organ
RUNDEL YouTube Channel
slow, slowly
Sound Balancing / Tuning / Intonation / Band Coaching
Das Eintreten der Dämmerung The composition EVENTIDE FALL is based upon the hymn “Abide With Me”, consisting of the text by Scottish poet Henry Francis Lyte, written in 1847, which is typically sung to the melody “Eventide” by English composer William Henry Monk. The hymn expresses the plea to God that he might save people from the approaching nightfall and not leave them alone in the dark. One can also imagine approaching death losing its horror thanks to God’s stewardship. Henry Francis Lyte set his poem to music to find consolation when he was on his deathbed, suffering from tuberculosis.
Alfred Bösendorfer drew inspiration from this comforting hymn to write his composition EVENTIDE FALL. He imagined the atmosphere of a church in the evening and set this association to music: It is still dark, a few candles are...