FOUR SHORT REFLECTIONS ON SLANE is an Organ setting with four verses by Michael Elsbernd based on an Irish folk tune. A fresh, imaginative and creative work produced and premiered in 2012 by this professional organist. Grade: 4 Duration: 6:00

“…be there at our waking…”

“…the plane and the lathe…”

“…hands swift to welcome…”

“…at the end of the day…”

Performance tips are in the Resources Tab.

NOTE:

“Four Short Reflections On SLANE” uses the text of the hymn, “Lord of All Hopefulness,” written by Jan Struther (1901-1953) as the basis for four short musical settings, each depicting a verse of the hymn. It was conceived as a Christmas gift for his wife, whose “part-Irish” heritage motivated the choice of “SLANE.” Michael performed the premiere at Sinsinawa, Wisconsin on June 6, 2012, as part of the Mound’s annual Summer Organ Concert Series. The texts chosen for the four movements describe the rhythms of family life—a kind of practical recognition of the “office hours” of home and family.