All things bright and beautiful

The hymn, "All things bright and beautiful" is not really a "Rogation hymn", but many places use it during this season.

The text, which is a classic in itself, was written by the hymn-writer and poet, Cecil Frances Alexander (April 1818 – 12 October 1895), and is characteristic of her very special gift for writing "children's" hymns.

The famous English melody, known by the name of "Royal Oak," was adapted by Martin Shaw OBE FRCM (9 March 1875 – 24 October 1958), and I've used his harmonization as the basis of my "freely made up" version.

In doing this, I've attempted to do as I would for a large congregation, using varying registrations to "paint" the text, and always "bridging back" to the refrain.

The score, as well as photos of Shaw and Alexander are attached below.

There is a short introduction, which should be obvious in following this, or better yet, in singing along! :-)

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colours,
He made their tiny wings.
All things bright, etc.

The purple-headed mountains,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning
That brightens up the sky:
All things bright, etc.

The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one.
All things bright, etc.

The tall trees in the greenwood,
The meadows where we play,
The rushes by the water
We gather every day:
All things bright, etc.

He gave us eyes to seem them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.
All things bright, etc.