In the Lonely Midnight
A Christmas carol bearing both mourning and hope, with a lyric written on the eve of World War I
Music: Elizabeth Alexander
Words: Theodore Chickering Williams
Penned in 1914 on the eve of World War I, Theodore Chickering Williams’ lyric “In the Lonely Midnight” has been sung to the Victorian hymn tunes “Lonely Midnight” and “Lyndhurst” as well as to the plainsong “Adore te Devote.” This modern anthem setting brings grace and poignancy to Williams’ heartbreakingly tender words, making space for their despair, resilience and joy.
Instrumentation of orchestral version: SATB, orchestra (1111,2100,harp,percussion,timpani,strings)
Details and Ordering Information
Composer Notes
In seeking what is relevant about ancient religious celebrations I most often look to writers of my own time, but Theodore Chickering Williams’ lyric “In the Lonely Midnight” resonated strongly with me. First published in 1914 on the eve of World War I, the profound anguish and hope poured into his timeless verses feels as relevant as if they were written now.
At the time of first publication, Williams was severely weakened by pneumonia and facing what would be his last Christmas. Although he did not live to see the end of the war, his poem offers a promise that love will triumph in the end.
Over the years, “In the Lonely Midnight” has been sung to the Victorian hymn tunes “Lonely Midnight” and “Lyndhurst” as well as to the plainsong “Adore te Devote.” It is my hope that my own setting adds a worthwhile new dimension to Williams’ longing for the world to be ruled not by pride and scorn, but by love.
In the Lonely Midnight
In the lonely midnight on the wintry hill,
Shepherds heard the angels singing, “Peace, good will.”
Listen, O ye weary, to the angels’ song,
Unto you the tidings of great joy belong.
Though in David’s city angels sing no more,
Love makes angel music on earth’s darkest shore;
Though no heavenly glory meet your wondering eyes,
Love can make your dwelling bright as paradise.
Though the Child of Mary, sent from heaven on high,
In His manger cradle may no longer lie,
Love is King forever, though the proud world scorn;
If ye truly seek Him, Christ your King is born.
Theodore Chickering Williams
Performers
SATB and orchestra
Premiere: Marietta College Concert Choir / Daniel Monek (Marietta, OH)
SATB and piano
Premiere: Choir of Watertown Evangelical Free Church / Merijo Strandquist (Watertown, MN)
Choir of Arlington Street Church / Mark Buckles (Boston, MA)
Choir of Buxmont Unitarian Universalist Fellowship / John Hook (Warrington, PA)
Choir of First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati / Jera Cox (Cincinnati, OH)
Choir of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Des Moines / Moira Leu (Des Moines, IA)
Choir of Linden Hills United Church of Christ / Naomi Karstad (Linden Hills, MN)
Choir of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Choir / Daniel Monek (Durham, NC)
Choir of Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing / Lyle H Brown (Lansing, MI)
Choir of Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook / Janet Hanson (Stony Brook, NY)
