This edition was prepared by David Anderson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
How soft the shades of evening creep
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
SATB · James Gibb
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How soft the shades of evening creep by Henry Thomas Smart — Lyrics
How soft the shades of evening creep
O'er yonder dewy lea,
Where balmy winds have lulled to sleep
The tenants of the tree.
No wandering breeze is here to sweep,
In winding ripple o'er the deep,
Yet swells the heaving sea.
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About How soft the shades of evening creep
Henry Thomas Smart was a prolific Victorian composer and organist. His secular SATB part-song, How soft the shades of evening creep, sets a thoughtful English poem exploring the transition from day to night. The text contrasts the peaceful stillness of the land with the restless movement of the sea under the moon. Smart's setting captures this mood with evocative harmonies and flowing vocal lines, creating a gentle yet rich sound world. The piece is well-suited for mixed choirs seeking a piece that offers both expressive musicality and a contemplative atmosphere, reflecting the natural imagery of the words.
