Winter’s Cold (SATB/piano/opt soli) Michael John Trotta/ Samuel Longfellow

This movement excerpted from “Dedication to Life” is a compelling setting of the text of Samuel Longfellow. It touches on the theme of hope in the midst of darkness. It opens with a haunting unison melody that unfolds to a choral treatment of the refrain. 

 

‘Tis winter now; the fallen snow


Has left the heavens all coldly clear;


Through leafless boughs the sharp winds blow,

And all the earth lies dead and drear.

 

And yet God’s love is not withdrawn;


His life within the keen air breathes;


His beauty paints the crimson dawn,


And clothes the boughs with glittering wreaths.

 

And though abroad the sharp winds blow, 

And skies are chill, and frosts are keen,

Home closer draws her circle now,

And warmer glows her light within.

 

O God! who gives the winter’s cold,

As well as summer’s joyous rays,


Us warmly in thy love enfold,


And keep us through life’s wintry days.