V. Evergreen (1974)
Daniel Pinkham (1923–2006); Text by Robert Hillyer (1895-1961)
This gentle Christmas carol for unison voices features text by Pulitzer prize-winning poet Robert Hillyer. As the organ gently plays a soft sequence of four chords in repetition, Pinkham’s soothing and haunting melody dances above, below and all around the organ notes, creating unexpected harmonies in chant-like fashion while echoing the text’s prayerful spirit and reverence.
How fine the sweetness from the bough
Evergreen, ever living
Like the pray’r offer’d now
For a whole world’s forgiving;
While the Christ Child is sleeping
Worlds of woe in his keeping
Worlds of joy in his dream
Lord, redeem us, redeem us!
That when thou art waking
The hearts we uplift
Shall be thy Christmas gift
And be well worth the taking.
How bright radiance of the tree
Evergreen, everlasting
Like the feast day to be
After long years of fasting.
Bright in hope Christmas morning
To the Christ Child returning,
Once again we believe
Lord, receive us, receive us!
When we come before thee
The heart’s joy we bring
Noël! Noël! shall sing
And forever adore thee.