Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Taylor Davis
General Information
Style period: contemporary arrangement of folksong
o Hymn from Quaker community
Same family of hymns as Simple Gifts
Congregational singing allowed after the American
Civil War
Group worship, prayer through music
Taken over by Pete Seeger, sparked folk revival in the
1960s
Covered by variety of artists: John McCutcheon,
Arlo Guthrie, Enya, Bruce Springsteen
Taylor Davis (b. 1980)
o Current director of music and worship for First United
Methodist Church in Fulshear, Texas
BM in Sacred Music from Centenary College of
Louisiana
o Has been composing since the age of seven
Main instrument is piano
Has been singing in choirs since early childhoodfather Sid Davis is director of music and fine arts at
Saint Luke United Methodist Church (Houston, Texas)
o Works with jazz trio when not directing sacred music
Paul Eason Band
Wrote this piece in 2010 for the Luther College Music Series
o Series designed to provide quality literature in areas that
are important to the ongoing mission of Luther College
(Dr. Craig Arnold, Director of Choral Activities)
o Performed by many all-state choirs, graduation ceremonies
Text
Poem titled Always Rejoicing by Pauline T.- credited to Robert
Lowry in this edition
o Published in 1868, The New York Observer
My life flows on in endless
song above earths lamentations.
I hear the real, though far off hymn
that hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear its music ringing.
It sounds an echo in my soul;
how can I keep from singing?
o Rhyme scheme: ABCB, DEFE, GHIH, etc.
Form
Strophic, adding more harmony each verse
o Key change continues strophic feel in different key- same
intervals/rhythms with different pitches
Oboe/violin/piano introduction returns as coda
Rhythm
Melody: