(Choral SATB, divisi)

When Shiloh Came is a Christmas poem by Marie Radcliffe Butler, published in 1877, associating the coming of the baby Jesus with initiating the hope of the Gospels.

The birth of this work started with notes of E, F and A. Starting as a minimalist, dissonant piece, it turned out to be something more. It still has some of those characteristics based on what the text relayed musically. There is a hint of Tintinnabulation as well as close seconds that provide a mysterious quality. Attention to the dynamics is important as not all parts are equal. All voices have divisi parts except the tenor given the scarcity in some choirs. Feel free to extend the longer notes and space between phrases for effect.

WHEN SHILOH CAME.

A light in the darkness—a wonderful thing—
A babe in the manger, the heir of a king.
From the palace of God came a guest in the night
To a manger and darkness, and sorrow and blight.
The seed of a woman the brightest and best,
The blossom of ages, the promise of rest.

— MARIE RADCLIFFE BUTLER (1877)

Vocal Ranges:
Soprano: C4-E5,
Alto: C4-C5,
Tenor: A3-E4,
Bass: B2-C4

ISWC: T3325111119
ISMN: 979-0-9025253-9-8

Audio sample generated by Cantamus.app