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Dark of Winter

December 12, 2006 at 2:53 PM

One of my favorite songs for this time of year is "Dark of Winter," a Unitarian-Universalist hymn by Shelley Jackson Denham.

Dark of winter, soft and still,
your quiet calm surrounds me.
Let my thoughts go where they will,
ease my mind profoundly.
And then my soul will sing a song,
a blessed song of love eternal.
Gentle darkness soft and still,
bring your quiet to me.

Darkness, soothe my weary eyes,
that I may see more clearly.
When my heart with sorrow cries,
comfort and caress me.
And then my soul may hear a voice
still, small voice of love eternal.
Darkness, when fears arise,
let your peace flow through me.

As I learn Fantasia on Greensleeves to play on Christmas Eve, it has occurred to me a few times now that: 1. This hymn, Dark of Winter, would sound great on the viola; and 2. It also might lend itself to some kind of "Fantasia on . . ." arrangement. I did a little searching and found this blog:

http://lavendercentral.typepad.com/lavender_central/2006/week6/index.html

Inspired by a snowstorm, the author wrote a little piece for viola based on this hymn.

I have a similar feeling--different interpretation than his, but the impulse of the viola sound, the warmth amid the darkness, renewal, comfort--all things I need to get me through this time of year when there is no light and things threaten to turn depressing. . .

I did a tiny bit of composing when I was in high school. Simple tunes as part of a music theory class. There was no Finale, no Sibelius, back then. I feel something that wants to come out, but I don't know if I have the skills . . .

The lyrics you quoted are beautiful. I encourage you to try your hand at composing. You can keep reworking your composition until you're happy with it.
You're right, Pauline, it's not like there's a deadline or anything. Greensleeves is enough this year.

That might be an interesting discussion thread, though: what are people's favorite "variations on a theme" or "fantasia on . . . " type of works, and why?

Hey Karen, the church choir director nixed "Greensleeves" for this year. Alas, it will be Vivaldi and Corelli...maybe I should show up with a viola, just out of spite!
Good luck! Have fun holding down the fort!