"Whosoever On the Night of Christ's Nativity" Anthem to Be Published by MorningStar Publishing

Breaking news...

Word was just received that the well-known sacred music company MorningStar will be publishing an anthem that I wrote in collaboration with Glenn Rudolph.  The piece is entitled. “Whosoever on the Night of Christ’s Nativity”.

It is an anthem for Christmas Eve.  My words were inspired by an anonymous quotation.  Here's the quotation.  My words will have to wait for the anthem's publication...

This Christmas Eve Hymn was inspired by the following anonymous quotation:

Whosoever on the night of the nativity of the young Lord Jesus, in the great snows, shall fare forth bearing a succulent bone for the lost and lamenting hounds, a wisp of hay for the shivering horse, a cloak of warm raiment for the stranded wayfarer, a bundle of brushwood for the shivering widow, a garland of bright red berries for one who has worn chains, a dish of crumbs with a song of love for all huddled birds who thought that song was dead, and various lavish delicacies for such children’s faces that peer from lonely windows, to them shall be offered and returned gifts of such an astonishment as will rival the hues of the peacock and the harmonies of heaven; so that though they live to the great age when they go stooping and querulous because of the nothing that is left of them, yet shall they walk upright and remembering, as those whose hearts shine like blazing stars, in their chest.

-          Author unknown, 

Glenn took my lyrics in hand and crafted the music to go with it.  As I like to say, Glenn is the George (music) and I am the Ira (words).  It is a joy to share in this - and a treat that it will be published.  

The anticipated publication date is April 2024, in time to promote it for use at Christmas 2024.

I have another piece published by MorningStar, called "God of Wonder" with music by Donna J. Butler.

New Work with Glenn Rudolph

As you may recall, I have been creating new hymns and anthems with Pittsburgh sacred music composer Glenn Rudolph for many years.  Looking back, I think the first piece we did together was around 2000, but I will double check to be sure.  Some of these new pieces have been published and are available for church musicians to select and present in their congregations.

Not long ago, Glenn asked me if I would write the text for a new anthem he was writing.  Based on an old and beloved tune, but modified and adapted by Glenn for our present age.  I was glad to give it a go.

Sometimes, working on hymns, it takes a lot of time, trial and error, and fine tuning to get the hymn text into a singable form that I am pleased with.  That is part of the creative process, and something I enjoy doing.  I anticipated this request would go something like that.  But I was happily surprised.  This hymn text practically wrote itself. In a very brief period of time.  Did I feel particularly inspired?  Yes indeed.  And the result not only worked, it was also "as it was meant to be".

At least I thought so.  And then, I sent it to Glenn to see what he thought of it.  His immediate answer back was: "Perfect!"

Isn't it great wen a plan comes together like that?  

So, here's the thing.  Glenn tells me that BEFORE he seeks publication for a new piece, he shares it with friends and colleagues, so they have a first chance preenting it, and also they can give some good feedback on how it was received, both by the choir presenting it and the congregation that received it.  He has done that.  And encouraged me to do the same.  So I sent it out, and have had some encouraging replies from friends who are anticipating presenting it in the near future.  As I learn when they will do so, I will update this post, so you can have a chance to hear it.

The anthem is called "Rejoice! Salvation's Come!" and it begins with the line "Why am I thankful every day?"  the tune is known to those who know the old old hymn "The Gate Ajar for Me" - except Glenn has giving it a new extra verve.  When I heard it, I told him he has a hit on his hands.  At least, that is my conviction.

Stay "tuned" for updates as they come!