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Go to Thy Rest, My Child!

Choral, SSAATB, unaccompanied, alto solo
Words by, Lydia Huntley Sigourney (1797-1865)

In 1996, my beautiful niece Leah was stillborn. Her parents and our whole family were devastated. She is in the forefront of my mind all the time. When I found this beautiful text by Sigourney, I knew it would be the perfect memorial piece for her. 

The lullaby like setting evokes a sense of peace. While we will all forever miss her and long for a different ending, I take comfort in knowing that all she ever knew was love. 

The alto solo is extensive and requires a strong voice. There is minimal divisi in the tenor and bass parts. 

Go to thy rest, my child!                                                   Go to thy dreamless bed,                                             Gentle and undefiled,                                                   With blessings on thy head;                                          Fresh roses in thy hand,                                                Buds on thy pillow laid,                                              Haste from this fearful land,                                       Where flowers so quickly fade.

Before thy heart might learn                                               In waywardness to stray,                                             Before thy foot could turn                                               The dark and downward way;                                         Ere sin might wound the breast,                                         Or sorrow wake the tear,                                                 Rise to thy home of rest,                                                     In yon celestial sphere. 

Because thy smile was fair,                                               Thy lip and eye so bright,                                           Because thy cradle-care                                                 Was such a fond delight,                                               Shall Love, with weak embrace,                                     Thy heavenward flight detain?                                       No! Angel, seek thy place                                             Amid yon cherub-train.

Run Time and Level

This piece runs at about 3 minutes and 45 seconds. It is appropriate for an auditioned high school ensemble or a collegiate ensemble.

Audio Sample

Photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash