Holy Darkness (AOV 2/24)

Another song by Dan Schutte, but this one’s a masterpiece. You can hear it played properly here. By done properly, I mean slowly for the refrain and faster for Verses 1-3 then faster still for the new tune in v 4-5, not the style of singing, with which I struggle.

I can’t manage that so for my backing I do the whole thing at 68 bpm.

It can be purchased for download at OCP.

This version probably hurries a bit much, but this is more like it tempo wise.

We recorded the Tridium in 2003 and this is how our singers sounded back then:

 Refrain
Holy darkness, blessed night,
heaven’s answer hidden from our sight.
As we await you, O God of silence,
we embrace your holy night.

Verse 1

I have tried you in fires of affliction;
I have taught your soul to grieve.
In the barren soil of your loneliness,
there I will plant my seed.

Refrain

Verse 2

I have taught you the price of compassion;
you have stood before the grave.
Though my love can seem
like a raging storm,
this is the love that saves.

Refrain

Verse 3

Were you there
when I raised up the mountains?
Can you guide the morning star?
Does the hawk take flight
when you give command?
Why do you doubt my pow’r?

Refrain

Verse 4

In your deepest hour of darkness
I will give you wealth untold.
When the silence stills your spirit,
will my riches fill your soul.

Refrain

Verse 5

As the watchman waits for morning,
and the bride awaits her groom,
so we wait to hear your footsteps
as we rest beneath your moon.

Refrain

© Daniel Schutte 1988, 1993.