The Long Day Closes

Although Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900) is best known for his collaboration with W.S. Gilbert on their famous operettas, he also wrote much instrumental, chamber and orchestral music, church anthems and around 20 secular part songs. One such song was The Long Day Closes, which remains in the popular repertoire of many mens and mixed choirs. The melody is a combination of hushed hymn-like reverence and emotional intensity, which provides the young band the opportunity to work on dynamics, ensemble, intonation and balance in chorale style.