The Bird of Dawning

find_in_pagePreview
Composer
Roland E. Martin
Difficulty
Moderately Difficult radio_button_checked radio_button_checked radio_button_checked radio_button_checked radio_button_unchecked
Season
Christmas
Voicing(s)
2-part Unison SSA Solo(s)
Instruments
Keyboard [organ/piano] Violin(s)
Category
Anthems
Instrumental Only?
No
Description

Solo voice (high), violin, and organ. Optional 2, 3, or 4-part women's choir. Violin part may also be played by a flute or oboe.  Text by William Shakespeare, from Hamlet. A breathtaking addition to a Christmas Eve service.

Audio
Lyrics

Some say that ever 'gainst that season comes
Wherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated
The bird of dawning singeth all night long;
And then, they say, no spirit can walk abroad.
The nights are wholesome, then no planets strike;
No fairy takes, nor witch hath power to charm;
So hallowed and so gracious is the time.