When Morning Gilds the Skies
This beautiful hymn tune, LAUDES DOMINI, was written by Sir Joseph Barnby in 1868, specifically for the text which was translated from German by Edward Caswall. The hymn appears in over 600 different hymnals and has been arranged hundreds of times for a variety of choral and instrumental settings.
Sondra Tucker's fresh setting of this hymn, musically rising as with the rising sun, gilds our spirits and fills us with the joy of a new morning and another praise-filled day. Beginning in C major, the treble descending LV passages provide the constant backdrop for the introduction of the hymn melody rung by the handchimes. A gentle LV passage features the melody beautifully embedded in the bells and the recap of the descending LVs segue gracefully into a very satisfying key change to Ab major. This final section is rich and majestic and the addition of nicely-placed Shakes brings this amazing setting to a glorious end.
This is definitely a 'must-have' for all groups Level 3 and beyond to include in their worship and concert repertoire!