The Oak-Grove Carol
Hymns & Carols
chorus with piano, solo voice with piano
work detail
instrumentation: for voice and keyboard
completion date: december 2023
duration: 3 minutes
texts: on an original text by the composer
events
A FEAST OF CAROLS
Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia - Dominick DiOrio, artistic director
St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Chestnut Hill - Philadelphia, PA
2:00 pm
Immerse yourself in the magic of the season with Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia's annual Christmas concert, A Feast of Carols. We are thrilled to present the world premiere of a new commission by Michael Robert Smith, set to the evocative poetry of fellow singer Kyle Conner. The concert will also showcase the exceptional talents of Timberdale Brass, organist Andrew Kotylo, new assistant conductor Ariel Alvarado, and our collaborative pianist and senior artist-in-residence, Ting Ting Wong, whose performance is sure to be a show-stopper. More information here.
audio
The Oak-Grove Carol
dedication
Commissioned by Dr. Josh Atkins and Priscilla Lo for the Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia 2023 Holiday Fundraiser in memory of Eileen Atkins, Josh’s mother, and Krista Atkins, Josh’s sister.
text
The Oak-Grove Carol text and tune by Dominick DiOrio
Across the oak-grove flows my soul, Rememb’ring days of bonnie best. With you, I knew a heart made whole, Now empty-laid in saddened chest. So soon may I follow When friendships decay… On Derry’s banks with you I rest.
Across the oak-wood rings my cry Remembering nights in brightened camp. With you, I stopped ‘neath moon-lit sky Now cold and darkened without lamp. Thus kindly I scatter Thy leaves o’er the bed… On Derry’s banks o’ergrown and damp.
Across the oak-copse lingers here The faintest ‘pression of your print. With you, I sensed a world made clear, Now foggy, misty firmament. No flow’r of her kindred No rose-bud is nigh… On Derry’s banks at dawn-gray pier.
And yet the oak-holt brightens me, As I remember how we grew, Together sharing times of glee, Now warmed as I think back on you. From love’s shining circle The gems drop away… On Derry’s banks grows rooted tree.
information
events
A FEAST OF CAROLS
Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia - Dominick DiOrio, artistic director
St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Chestnut Hill - Philadelphia, PA
2:00 pm
Immerse yourself in the magic of the season with Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia's annual Christmas concert, A Feast of Carols. We are thrilled to present the world premiere of a new commission by Michael Robert Smith, set to the evocative poetry of fellow singer Kyle Conner. The concert will also showcase the exceptional talents of Timberdale Brass, organist Andrew Kotylo, new assistant conductor Ariel Alvarado, and our collaborative pianist and senior artist-in-residence, Ting Ting Wong, whose performance is sure to be a show-stopper. More information here.
audio
The Oak-Grove Carol
dedication
Commissioned by Dr. Josh Atkins and Priscilla Lo for the Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia 2023 Holiday Fundraiser in memory of Eileen Atkins, Josh’s mother, and Krista Atkins, Josh’s sister.
text
The Oak-Grove Carol text and tune by Dominick DiOrio
Across the oak-grove flows my soul, Rememb’ring days of bonnie best. With you, I knew a heart made whole, Now empty-laid in saddened chest. So soon may I follow When friendships decay… On Derry’s banks with you I rest.
Across the oak-wood rings my cry Remembering nights in brightened camp. With you, I stopped ‘neath moon-lit sky Now cold and darkened without lamp. Thus kindly I scatter Thy leaves o’er the bed… On Derry’s banks o’ergrown and damp.
Across the oak-copse lingers here The faintest ‘pression of your print. With you, I sensed a world made clear, Now foggy, misty firmament. No flow’r of her kindred No rose-bud is nigh… On Derry’s banks at dawn-gray pier.
And yet the oak-holt brightens me, As I remember how we grew, Together sharing times of glee, Now warmed as I think back on you. From love’s shining circle The gems drop away… On Derry’s banks grows rooted tree.
