This edition was prepared by David Anderson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Fear no more the heat o’ the sun
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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Fear no more the heat o’ the sun by James Greenhill — Lyrics
Fear no more the heat o' the sun,
Nor the furious winter's rages;
Thou thy worldly task hast done,
Home art gone, and ta'en thy wages;
Golden lads and girls all must,
As chimneysweepers, come to dust.
Fear no more the frown o' the great;
Thou art past the tyrant's stroke:
Care no more to clothe and eat;
To thee the reed is as the oak:
The sceptre, learning, physic, must
All follow this, and come to dust.
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About Fear no more the heat o’ the sun
James Greenhill sets words from Shakespeare's Cymbeline in this SATB setting. The text, a poignant song of acceptance of death, is treated with musical sensitivity. The composer's part-song, sung in English, reflects the philosophical nature of the lyrics. As the text progresses from the familiar imagery of nature's extremes to the ultimate equality of all people before death, Greenhill's music offers a sense of gentle resolution. The words contemplate mortality, reminding us that worldly achievements and power ultimately yield to the universal dust. This is a moving reflection on life's end, suitable for contemplation by a mixed voice choir.
