Let Evening Come

“The poem Let Evening Come by Jane Kenyon speaks of the peace and comfort of evening. This musical setting focuses on several images associated with evening. The opening, four-note motive in the piano accompaniment might be heard as church bells tolling the coming of nightfall. These bells return (with singing) at the end of the piece.”

“The Altos enter with the phrase, ‘Let evening come.’ This is sung initially all on one pitch (D), and later moves only to surrounding pitches. This static and peaceful pattern anchors the music, and offers a reassurance of the inevitable return of evening, and of comfort.”

“Soprano soloists, in a gentle recitative , present the opening stanzas of the poem- images of afternoon leading into evening. The soloists continue, and the group refrain of ‘Let evening come’ is repeated more and more quickly, uniting as the full chorus sings: ‘Let it come, as it will, and don’t be afraid.’ The music culminates in celebration with the singing of ‘Let evening come,’ with rapid accompaniment (church bells) in the piano.” -Gwyneth Walker