This edition was prepared by David Anderson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Daybreak
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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Daybreak by Alfred Robert Gaul — Lyrics
A wind came up out of the sea,
And said, “O mists, make room for me.”
It hailed the ships, and cried, “Sail on,
Ye mariners, the night is gone.”
And hurried landward far away,
Crying, “Awake! it is the day.”
It said unto the forest, “Shout!
Hang all your leafy banners out!”
It touched the woodbird's folded wing,
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About Daybreak
Alfred Robert Gaul's Daybreak paints a vivid scene of nature awakening at dawn. The text describes a powerful wind commanding the mists to yield, urging ships to sail on, and calling land creatures and plants to life. The SATB choir brings this vibrant imagery to life, capturing the wind's boisterous energy as it bids the forests to shout and birds to sing. This secular English partsong builds to a rousing climax, celebrating the arrival of a new day across the land, from crowing roosters to ringing church bells. Only the churchyard is urged to remain in quiet repose, offering a gentle contrast to the surrounding revelry.
