Today's song is a tough one to pick...you see, it's the last of my Christmas song selections! Tomorrow I plan to recap the songs as well as give a special treat...tune in tomorrow to see what I have in store.
Although neither of these are "Christmas songs," both are on several Christmas albums, and both are dear to me.
"Sheep May Safely Graze" by J.S. Bach is SO beautiful! I loved it so much that I had my mom and mother-in-law walk in while it was played at my wedding. I've heard string quartet versions and brass ensemble versions. I have never heard a recording of it that I didn't like. Although there are lyrics, I have heard the song most often just instrumentally. Here are the only lyrics I could find:
"Sheep may safely graze and pasture in a watchful Shepherd's sight.
Those who rule with wisdom guiding bring to hearts a peace abiding
Bless a land with joy made bright."
The other song is "Dona Nobis Pacem, " a song I sang in choir years ago. The three interweaving harmonies are exquisite!! It's a song that makes me wish I could sing all three parts at once. The words are repeated throughout the song, and they mean "Give Us Peace." I've enjoyed the version on A Winter's Solstice IV and I believe John Rutter incorporated the song into a choir anthem I sang once.
too bad you couldn't add the music itself to these posts. they've been wonderful to read.
ReplyDeleteoooooh great idea!!! maybe next year ;)
ReplyDelete