This edition was prepared by David Anderson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Behold the Sun in gold descending
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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Behold the Sun in gold descending by Florence Ashton Marshall — Lyrics
Behold the sun in gold descending,
Blushes o’er the landscape red,
And all the hues of evening blending,
Sinks into his western bed.
The dying day, the waning light,
Bid us whisper soft “Goodnight.”
The shadows lengthen long and slow,
A ruddy sheen glows in the brook;
The weary oxen plaintive low,
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About Behold the Sun in gold descending
Florence Ashton Marshall’s SATB setting of Behold the Sun in gold descending opens with a gentle, flowing melody that evokes the quiet beauty of sunset. The music paints a vivid picture of the day’s end, from the blushing hues across the landscape to the lengthening shadows and the weary oxen returning home. The text describes nature settling into rest, with birds ceasing their song and a pervasive sense of peace descending. Marshall’s part-writing creates a rich texture that perfectly captures the serene atmosphere, culminating in the softly whispered refrain, “Goodnight.” This is a lovely example of an English secular part-song.
