Comments by Bandmaster Peter Graham

This arrangement was made at the request of General Eva Burrows as a prelude to a presentation of the Christmas message during the 1987 Carols at Christmas Festival.

The words associated with the tune, in this instance, are published in the Salvation Army Song Book No 101:

'Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown
When thou earnest to earth for me;'

The setting of the first verse and subsequent development seek to create a mood of serenity. Nothing should be overdone here---the aim should be for smoothness, particularly in the sustained passages at B where a legato approach to the moving quaver figure is essential. The setting of the final verse at C takes on a programmatic mantle. Familiarity with the words will contribute to a greater understanding of the music:

'When Heaven's arches ring, and her choirs shall sing,
At thy coming to victory.
Let thy voice call me home, saying: Yet there is room.
There is room at my side for thee!'
And my heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus,
When thou comest and callest for me.

Programme Note

Written for the 1987 Carols at Christmas Festival, the music is associated with the words of song No 101,

'Thou did'st leave thy throne and thy kingly crown
When thou earnest to earth for me:'