And When it Dawns, The Glorious Morn

"And When it Dawns, The Glorious Morn" is a magnificent classical chorus drawn from Joseph Haydn’s great oratorio, *The Seasons*. The piece opens with a stirring vision of the resurrection and the new creation, where humanity is finally free from pain and death. Through a series of solo passages and answering choral sections, the text asks who is worthy to enter the Lord's temple and mount the holy hill. The answers echo the Beatitudes, reminding the faithful that the pure in heart, the merciful, and the peacemakers will see God.

For Nigerian choirs that take on major classical works, this piece offers a thrilling challenge. The music shifts from the quiet, questioning lines of the soloists to the full, triumphant force of the double choir declaring that the gates of heaven are opened wide. It captures the transition from the wintry storms of earthly life to the unending bliss of eternal spring.

Choirmasters often program this chorus for grand concerts, choral competitions, or festive celebrations where a large, capable choir can fully express its dynamic range. The final section builds into a powerful prayer for courage and strength, culminating in a majestic "Amen" as the singers look forward to standing victorious before the glorious throne of God.