People, look East, the time is near

Today is the 17th day in the Advent-Hymn of the day project. Today's "hymn" is really a carol, which has been very popular for a long time.

This wonderful text, writen by Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965). It deals with preparations for a celebration - perhaps something like a banquet for a very important person. She refers to the Messiah as "the Guest", "the Rose", "the Bird", "the Star", and "the Lord".

In performance, "verbal phrasing" is necessary to make sense of the meaning of the words.

The harmony is by the English organist, composer, and scholar, Martin (1878-1958).

I chose the St. Omer Cavaillé-Coll fot this because of the bright, "rustic" colors that it produces, and because of the perfect balance and blend with the acoustic.

I played this hymn/carol with a light touch and a quick, but relaxed tempo.

People, look East, The time is near
Of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able,
Trim the hearth and set the table.
People look East and sing today:
Love the Guest is on the way.

Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare,
One more seed is planted there;
Give up your strength the seed to nourish,
That in course the flower may flourish.
People look East and sing today:
Love the Rose is on the way.

Birds, though ye long have ceased to build,
Guard the nest that must be filled.
Even the hour when wings are frozen
He for fledging time has chosen.
People, look East, and sing today:
Love the Bird is on the way.

Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim
One more light the bowl shall brim,
Shining beyond the frosty weather,
Bright as sun and moon together.
People, look East, and sing today:
Love the Star is on the way.

Angels, announce to man and beast
Him who cometh from the East.
Set every peak and valley humming
With the Word, the Lord is coming.
People, look East, and sing today:
Love the Lord is on the way.