2008

A Hope Carol

Three Poems of Christina Rossetti Song Collection

"A Hope Carol" sets a poem by Christina Rossetti. The song was originally composed in 2008. In 2010, David Conte published two more settings of Christina Rossetti to form the song set Three Poems of Christina Rossetti. The song is still published alone and as part of the song cycle. The audio selection features Catherine Cook, mezzo-soprano, and Steven Bailey, piano. Used with the permission of the composer.

Text

A Hope Carol
by Christina Rossetti

A Night was near, a day was near,
Between a day and night
I heard sweet voices calling clear,
Calling me:
I heard a whirr of wing on wing,
But could not see the sight;
I long to see my birds that sing,
I long to see.

Below the stars, beyond the moon,
Between the night and day
I heard a rising falling tune
Calling me:
I long to see the pipes and strings
Whereon such minstrels play;
I long to see each face that sings,
I long to see.

To-day or may be not to-day,
To-night or not to-night,
All voices that command or pray
Calling me,
Shall kindle in my soul such fire
And in my eyes such light
That I shall see that heart’s desire
I long to see.

Related Information

E. C. Schirmer Music Company

ecspublishing.com

Audio

“A Hope Carol” (from “Three Poems of Christina Rossetti”)

Catherine Cook (mezzo-soprano) & Steven Bailey (piano)4:25

David Conte

Composer

Christina Rossetti

Poet(s)/Writer(s)

2010

Date

Used with the permission of the composer