Song No. 1 from Hymnody of Earth

Hymnody of Earth opens with the processional “Psalm of Solstice.” After the dulcimer prelude, performed from the stage, the choir processes while singing the Latin verse. The melody sung in the alto part is taken from a traditional Belgian fiddle tune. The Latin verse is simply an approximate translation of the English verse that follows. The choir should be in their places by the time this English verse begins. In situations where a singing processional is difficult, a silent processional with the drummer, playing a simple rhythm, can be an effective way to get the choir onto the stage. In this case, it would be good for the director and dulcimer player to be last in line; the dulcimer solo would begin once the choir has reached their places and the drummer has stopped playing.

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