Inextinguishable Blaze (from I Sing the Birth) – Carol Barnett

Composer: Carol Barnett

Text by: Hilaire Belloc (1870-1953)

Instrumentation: SATB divisi, percussion

Duration: c 4'00"

Date Written:  2003

Composer’s note:  I Sing the Birth was written in 2003 for the South Bend Chamber Singers, Nancy Menk, director. It begins as a traditional celebratory Christmas suite, joyously announcing the birth, telling of the shepherds and wise men, singing a lullaby. It goes on to tell of four-year-old Jesus and the miracle of the birds, and ends with a prayer to keep the ardent joy of Christmas in us always. The first two movements share the jubilant sound of A major. The last two movements flow together, connected by the spirit of prayer and the key of B major. The lullaby stands alone, a peaceful interlude in the midst of deeply felt emotions.

“Inextinguishable Blaze” – Charles Wesley’s fervent desire to “work and speak and think for Thee” finds its musical voice in this setting, which starts and ends in the celestial key of B major, while migrating to unexpected tonalities along the way. This peaceful yet earnest chorale is a perfect balance between simplicity and majesty, making it a wonderful final piece for any Advent concert.

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text

O Thou Who camest from above,
The pure celestial fire to impart,
Kindle a flame of sacred love
On the mean altar of my heart.

There let it for Thy glory burn
With inextinguishable blaze,
And trembling to its source return,
In humble prayer and fervent praise.

Jesus, confirm my heart’s desire
To work and speak and think for Thee;
Still let me guard the holy fire,
And still stir up Thy gift in me.

Ready for all Thy perfect will,
My acts of faith and love repeat,
’Til death Thy endless mercies seal,
And make my sacrifice complete.
– Charles Wesley (1707-1788)