This edition was prepared by David Anderson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
How soft the shades
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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How soft the shades by Charles King Hall — Lyrics
How soft the shades of evening creep
O’er yonder dewy lea,
Where balmy winds have lull’d to sleep
The tenants of the tree.
No wandering breeze is here to sweep,
In shadowy ripple o’er the deep,
Yet swells the heaving sea!
How calm the sky! rest, ocean, rest,
From storm and ruffle free,
Calm as the image on thy breast
Of her that governs thee!
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About How soft the shades
Charles King Hall's SATB partsong How soft the shades captures a moment of serene yet profound contemplation. The English text, set with a gentle touch, evokes the quietude of evening and the stillness of the sea, drawing parallels to the inner turmoil that can lie beneath a calm exterior. Hall's music beautifully reflects the imagery of the text, moving from peaceful observation to a more introspective and perhaps melancholic mood. This secular piece for mixed choir offers a reflective opportunity, exploring themes of resignation and hidden emotion through its thoughtful setting of poetic lines. It is ideal for choirs seeking a piece that balances delicate expression with emotional depth.
