Brightest And Best

Other Info:  Brightest and Best is a setting of the famous hymn words by Reginald Heber and is a particularly suitable text for Epiphany. Written in memory of Benjamin Hutto, Director of Music at St John's, LaFayette Square, Washington DC, it received its premiere during the churches bicentennial year in March 2016.

Todd's characteristic close harmonies and memorable melodies pervade this attractive carol, which is highly approachable for intermediate choirs. A tender unison treatment of the first verse leads to four-part harmony and a descant in successive verses, followed by a large climax, key change and introduction of an optional organ part for the final verse, before a calm, meditative ending. All this combines to create a showstopper of a carol which will delight audiences and congregations.

Brightest and best of the stars of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid;
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant redeemer is laid;
Brightest and best, brightest and best.
Cold on His cradle the dew drops are shining,
Low lies His head with the beasts of the stall;
Angels adore him in slumber reclining,
Maker and Monarch and ruler of all.
Maker, ruler of all.
Say, shall we yield Him in costly devotion,
Odours of Edom, and offrings divine?
Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest, and gold from the mine.
For His favour, His favour.
For His favour, His favour.
Vainly we offer each ample oblation
Vainly with gifts would His favour secure;
Richer by far is the heart's adoration,
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,
Dawn on us and lend us thine aid;
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.
Brightest and best, brightest and best.