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Chapter Ninety-four
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In Support of Allie
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As the lights dimmed and rustling and murmurings quieted, all eyes were on the curtained stage as a cellist and violinist from St. Anne's emerged to sit beside the piano where a fellow student pianist sat. Together the trio played a stunning instrumental version of the Italian carol, "Gesu Bambino."(*44)
Slowly the velvet panels parted to reveal the choirs as the violinist departed, but the talented student cellist remained in her place in front of the piano. Off stage, a plaintive bagpipe soon began to drone an ancient Celtic tune.
Originating in Ireland, "The Wexford Carol," was sung reverently, the first verse in unison, accompanied by the beautifully skilled cellist and the father of a student playing the bagpipes from backstage. Surprising their families, Allie and Sally sang the second verse as a duet, before the chorus sang together to finish. The rendition took the listener to the Emerald Isle and garnered enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation.
"Good people all, this Christmas time, consider well and bear in mind
What our good God for us has done in sending His beloved Son
With Mary holy we should pray, to God with love this Christmas Day
In Bethlehem upon that morn, there was a blessed Messiah born.
The night before that happy tide, the noble virgin and her guide
Were long time seeking up and down to find a lodging in the town.
But mark how all things came to pass from every door repelled, alas,
As was foretold, their refuge all was but a humble ox's stall.
Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep
To whom God's angels did appear which put the shepherds in great fear
Prepare and go, the angels said, to Bethlehem, be not afraid
For there you'll find, this happy morn a princely Babe, sweet Jesus, born.
With thankful heart and joyful mind the shepherds went the babe to find
And as God's angel had foretold they did our Saviour Christ behold
Within a manger He was laid and by his side the virgin maid
Attending on the Lord of Life who came on earth to end all strife.
There were three wise men from afar directed by a glorious star
And on they wandered night and day until they came where Jesus lay
And when they came unto that place where our beloved Messiah lay
They humbly cast them at His feet with gifts of gold and incense sweet." (*45)
While the applause quieted, Allie made her way to center stage. When Dr. York played the initial note, Allie glanced at her father and began "Quem Pastores Laudavere" in Latin. Allie's voice had an appealing, clear, bell-like quality.
"Quem pastores laudavere, Quibus Angeli dixere,
Absit vobis jam timere, Natus est Rex gloriæ."
Allie sang the first verse a cappella, then the choir quietly hummed a background harmony as she sang the second and third verses.
"Ad quem Reges ambulabant, Aurum, thus, myrrham portabant,
Immolabant hæc sincere, Leoni victoriæ.
Christo Regi, Deo nato, Per Mariam nobis dato,
Merito resonet vere, Laus honor et gloria." (*46)
The carol was perfect and Allie's face shone with both the pleasure of singing and completing the song correctly. Her smile was genuine and, as Nathan had expected, Allie won the audience with her voice, her poise and her beauty.
As promised, Zachary Grant was the first to stand and applaud Allie, but he wasn't the only one. From the choir itself applause began, first from Jared Blake and then the applause rippled through the entire choir and the audience in the Hall stood, clapping as well.
Nathan and Elizabeth stood with tears flowing, wiping their cheeks in between clapping. Grace applauded then slipped her hand around Nathan's waist. The Collins's hugged each other, then Claire and Dan. Jon and Jane Samuels hugged then turned to smile at Nathan and Elizabeth. The Bests clapped loudly and Isaac clapped Nathan on the back. Elizabeth reached her arm around Zach and he in turn placed his arm around her shoulders. Although on stage, Allie's prayers were being answered as she was gaining a large and appreciative family in the audience. The Blake's applauded loud and long then gripped each other's hands, exchanging knowing looks. Who knew what the future held, but they saw possibilities they would wait some years to share with their son!
With shining eyes, Ardis Ross looked from the stage to Wes Murphy who was certain he had never before seen such a beautiful woman as the one beside him.
The concert continued with various groupings singing in German, Spanish and one of Allie's and Nathan's favorites, "Baloo Lammy." Having seen where her family was seated earlier, Allie smiled at her father as a group of girls sang the traditional Scottish lullaby that Nathan had sung to Allie many times in her childhood. Allie vowed to ask her Dad to sing it again this year.
"This day to you is born a child, Of Mary meek the Virgin mild:
That blessed bairn so loving and kind, Shall now rejoice both heart and mind.
Baloo, lammy, balulalow.
And now shall Mary's little boy, Forever be our hope and joy;
Eternal be his reign here on earth, Rejoice then all people for this holy birth:
Baloo, lammy, balulalow.
Sleep gently, sweet Jesus, and know no fear,Thy subjects adoring watch over thee here;
God's angels and shepherds and kine in their stall, And wise men and Virgin, Thy guardians all:
Baloo, lammy, balulalow." (*47)
Nathan's eyes glistened and Elizabeth noticed. She leaned her head towards him, patting his hand. His glance at her was filled with emotion, joy and longing, memories past and promises to come. He whispered in her ear, "I used to sing this to Allie when she couldn't sleep. I haven't thought of it in a long time now. She has grown up…"
In spite of his quiet words, Elizabeth heard his voice catch and fell more in love with this tender, sensitive man beside her. She vowed to ask him to sing it to her sometime.
Turning their attention to the music again, Nathan and Elizabeth heard a familiar Christmas hymn. "From Heaven on High I Come to You." Accompanied by Dr. York on the piano, the young people sang in four part harmony.
"From heaven high I come to you, I bring you tidings good and new;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring, Whereof I now will say and sing:
To you this night is born a child Of Mary, chosen virgin mild;
This little child, of lowly birth, Shall be the joy of all the earth.
This is the Christ, our God and Lord, Who in all need shall aid afford;
He will himself your Saviour be From all your sins to set you free.
These are the tokens ye shall mark: The swaddling-clothes and manger dark:
There ye shall find the Infant laid By whom the heav'ns and earth were made.
Now let us all with gladsome cheer Go with the shepherds and draw near
To see the precious gift of God, Who hath his own dear Son bestowed.
Welcome to earth, thou noble Guest, Through whom the sinful world is blest!
In my distress thou com'st to me; What thanks shall I return to thee?" (*48)
Representing Poland, the choir sang "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly," a traditional Polish Christmas lullaby in English as they wove gentle melodies and harmonies together.
"Infant holy, Infant lowly, For His bed a cattle stall;
Oxen lowing, Little knowing Christ the Babe is Lord of all.
Swift are winging Angels singing, Noels ringing, Tidings bringing,
Christ the Babe is Lord of all.
Flocks were sleeping, Shepherds keeping Vigil till the morning new,
Saw the glory. Heard the story, Tidings of a Gospel true.
Thus rejoicing, Free from sorrow, Praises voicing, Greet the morrow,
Christ the Babe was born for you!" (*49)
A traditional Spanish carol followed and the Spanish language students sang the various parts as the remaining choir members hummed harmonies to "A la Nanita Nana."
"A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea,
mi niño tiene sueño, bendito sea, bendito sea.
A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea,
mi niño tiene sueño, bendito sea, bendito sea.
Fuentecita que corre clara y sonora,
ruiseñor que en la selva cantando llora:
calla mientras la cuna se balancea,
a la nanita nana, nanita ea.
A la nanita nana, nanita ea, nanita ea,
mi niño tiene sueño, bendito sea, bendito sea.
Lullaby, lullaby, lullaby -by
my baby's sleepy, bless him, bless him.
Lullaby, lullaby, lullaby -by
my baby's sleepy, bless him, bless him.
Little spring bubbling clear and loud,
nightingale singing plaintively in the forest:
keep quiet while the cradle rocks to and fro,
lullaby, lullaby, lullaby -by.
Lullaby, lullaby, lullaby -by
my baby's sleepy, bless him, bless him." (*50)
Looking at the program, Nathan and Elizabeth glanced at each other with widening eyes. Was it already the end of this incredible evening of music? Yet, the final carol was listed as one from Germany, as translated into English, "All My Heart This Night Rejoices."
As Nathan read the words he realized how fitting they were. Angel voices, choirs singing, joy ringing in the hearts of all in attendance, but especially in his. With shining eyes he gazed at her then squeezed Elizabeth's hand. His joy could hardly be contained!
"All my heart this night rejoices, as I hear, far and near, sweetest angel voices;
"Christ is born," their choirs are singing, till the air, everywhere, now their joy is ringing.
Shall we still dread God's displeasure, who, to save, freely gave His most cherished Treasure?
To redeem us, He hath given His own Son from the throne of His might in Heaven.
He becomes the Lamb that taketh Sin away and for aye full atonement maketh.
For our life His own He tenders and our race, by His grace, meet for glory renders.
For it dawns, the promised morrow of His birth, who the earth rescues from her sorrow.
God to wear our form descendeth; of His grace to our race here His Son He sendeth.
Hark! A voice from yonder manger, soft and sweet, doth entreat, "Flee from woe and danger;
Brethren, come; from all that grieves you, you are freed; all you need I will surely give you.
"Come, then, let us hasten yonder; here let all, great and small, kneel in awe and wonder,
Love Him Who with love is yearning; hail the star that from far bright with hope is burning.
Blessed Savior, let me find Thee! Keep Thou me close to Thee, cast me not behind Thee!
Life of life, my heart Thou stillest, calm I rest on Thy breast, all this void Thou fillest.
Thee, dear Lord, with heed I'll cherish; live to Thee and with Thee, dying, shall not perish;
But shall dwell with Thee for ever, far on high, in the joy that can alter never." (*51)
The final notes of the song were engulfed in thunderous applause as the audience stood, realizing they had experienced a concert worthy of any concert hall in the continent's largest cities. Accepting the applause as they bowed and motioned for the choirs to do the same, Rachel Bell and Dr. Samuel York were recognized for their hard work. The Headmistress of St. Anne's Academy for Girls made her way to the stage and approached the choir directors. Handing a large bouquet of roses to Rachel and an envelope to each of them, Miss Hills then clapped her hands together facing them and turned to the audience before accompanying the directors off stage.
These music instructors had accomplished a masterpiece of musical excellence while showcasing talented young people and training the entire chorus to their very best. This year's Academies' choir concert was memorable to participants and attendees alike and everyone recognized that this was now an annual event they would highly anticipate.
Nathan kept his eye on Allie as she chatted with her friends while onstage, then made her way to the floor and headed towards her family, followed by Sally, Rachel and Naomi. Due to his height, Nathan Grant was easy to find in a crowd, even without a distinctive red serge. Nathan took the flowers from under the seat and crossed over Elizabeth and Zach to wait in the aisle. Jubilantly he exclaimed to them, "She's almost here!"
"Dad!" Allie called out, hurrying until she saw her father standing with a bouquet of red roses, extending them to her as he opened his arms. Stopping short, tears filled her eyes as she glanced from the flowers to her father's face. Accepting his loving gift, Allie inhaled the fragrance as she held Nathan's gaze, then allowed herself to be enveloped in his warm embrace.
"Oh Allie-girl. You were amazing! You sang beautifully and you were …" He momentarily searched for the right word. "You were radiant up there! My beautiful daughter…" Nathan held his girl tightly, then gradually realized a lot of others were waiting to congratulate and hug her as well. He released her after kissing the top of her head. "Pardon your proud papa for monopolizing you, Honey!" Nathan chuckled, but his voice remained unsteady until he cleared his throat. Reluctantly, he let go as Zachary opened his arms to Allie.
"I am so proud of you, Allie. You were a shining star tonight!" Zach hugged her tightly.
Laughingly Allie responded, "That's because I'm your niece. You had to like my performance!"
"No 'had-to' about it, Allison Grant. Everyone loved your singing tonight!" Zach concluded.
"He's right, Sweetheart! You sang beautifully!" Whispering in Allie's ear as she hugged her, Elizabeth added as she was next in line to hug her. "You look beautiful too!" Stepping back she winked at Allie, then made way for her mother to get close.
"Allie! Oh, how I wish Mr. Thatcher was here tonight! I will tell him all the details, but it will not come near the actual experience. You look lovely and sang beautifully and just… you always are a delight, Honey, but tonight everyone got to see publicly what we already know!"
Blushing, Allie whispered, "Thank you, Mrs. Thatcher."
"Congratulations, Allie!" Peter and Carol had made their way to see her. "This concert rivals any I have attended in Hamilton, Toronto or New York! Just wonderful." Peter enthused.
"Thank you, Grampa Peter. Hi, Gramma Carol!"
"Allie! What a heavenly musical evening. It was like angels were singing!" Carol added. "I am so proud of you, my dear girl!" Carol added.
Claire Collins was next and after a congratulatory hug and compliment, Claire stepped aside to converse with Elizabeth, both sharing about how proud and impressed they were with Allie Grant and Claire congratulating Elizabeth on her courtship! Naomi and her parents, the Bests, took the opportunity to congratulate Allie on her solo and they chatted for a few moments before saying goodnight.
Ellie and Jared Blake were delayed by compliments from audience members as they made their way up the aisle to their parents, but after hugs and encouraging compliments from them, Ellie and Blake turned to greet Allie. Following his sister's lead, Jared gave Allie a quick hug of congratulations.
After hugging and complimenting Sally and Rachel Samuels as well as Naomi Best before she departed, Nathan was proudly observing all the support his daughter was receiving. When he observed Jared's hug he only smiled, knowing it was a friendly and appreciative gesture and a very public one as well. He figured correctly that of all the hugs Allie was receiving tonight she would be remembering and dreaming of this one! Although Nathan didn't identify his reasoning, he was so overcome with love himself that he was easily able to overlook what might have previously given him some fatherly concern!
Nathan approached Jared with his hand extended. "Jared? Your performance tonight was spectacular. You and Ellie blended so well on such a difficult harmony that I know this was the culmination of hours of practice for you both. It was beautiful!" He pumped Jared's hand as the young man blushed at the praise. "Thank you for sharing your gift with us all tonight."
"Thank you, Sergeant, and you are welcome." Jared confessed. "My sister and I did rehearse a lot, but it was easy to do as we both love to sing."
"I could tell by the ease you showed together and on stage. I'm looking forward to your duet with your Dad on Sunday!" Nathan added with a wink.
Grinning, Jared commented shyly. "Allie was wonderful tonight too, wasn't she? I love that she sings so well and seems to love it. Do you sing together at home, Sir?"
Chuckling, Nathan nodded. "Indeed we do. We sing while accomplishing chores or before the fire or even in the car!"
"I love that!" Jared grinned. "Well, I guess I will see you all tomorrow at the Home, then for Caroling in the evening? We all will have lots of opportunities to sing in the coming days!"
"Looking forward to it all, Jared." Turning to Ellie Blake, Nathan opened his arms for a quick hug. "Ellie? I was just telling your brother how lovely your duet was tonight. I hope to hear you again as your rendition was perfect."
Elizabeth approached and added her compliments. "Your duet was one of the highlights of the evening, although the entire concert was wonderful!"
"Thank you, Mrs. Thornton. It was fun to surprise you all with so many unusual songs. Really it was like a trip around the world!" Ellie asked. "Are you familiar with any of the pieces?"
"Maybe two or three of them? I confess I haven't sung them though. Our Christmas services in the little town where I've come from are simpler. Sincere, but simple. Did Allie tell you she sang 'O, Come, All Ye Faithful' for us last year? She sang one verse in Latin there as well." Elizabeth looked at Allie proudly, giving her another side-by-side hug.
With admiration in his eyes, Jared spoke wistfully. "I would love to hear that, Allie."
Glancing around the groups of friends conversing Nathan took special note that Ardis Ross and Wes Murphy were conversing and laughing with ease. They remained in the same place where they had been seated, so Nathan wondered if they had even paid attention to anyone else! He sent up a quick prayer, 'Thank you, Lord, and Your will be done,' then returned his observations of his daughter.
Allie was still blushing when Rachel Bell came up behind the Blake's and Allie. "Here are some of my star singers! You did an excellent job tonight. Each one of you. You make me want to plan another concert in the spring so we don't have to wait until next Christmas to hear you again!"
Nathan, with Elizabeth on his arm at this point, interjected a comment. "I think many of us would enjoy that, Rachel. You and the director from the Boy's Academy did a masterful job tonight. The concert was so varied, so interesting to include many carols unknown until now! You had these young singers and the instrumentalists blended beautifully and thereby blessed us all with your gifts as well. Thank you, on behalf of all of us!"
Blushing to match the flowers in her hands, Rachel drank in the compliment and found she appreciated Nathan's sincerity and was not bothered by the beautiful woman at his side tonight. "Thank you, Nathan. That means a lot. I am glad it is over for now, but know we have many musical offerings to look forward to in the coming weeks."
"I only wish I could be here for every one of them, Miss Bell!" Elizabeth smiled warmly. "You have produced a moving and meaningful program as well as a beautiful one. This concert rivaled any I ever attended in Hamilton! Thank you."
"Oh? Hamilton?" Rachel inquired, surprised. "You have lived there?"
Laughing, Elizabeth spoke quietly. "Born and raised in Hamilton, so attended any and all concerts! Performed in a few in my school days as well, although I don't recall the competence or quality of tonight's program."
If Allie dreamed of Jared's hug that night, Rachel Bell dreamed of the words of encouragement from Nathan Grant and his Elizabeth. It had been a satisfying night!
"Aunt Adeli! I didn't know you were coming tonight! Hi!" Allie hugged Adeli Foster.
"Oh, Sweetheart! I wouldn't miss it, plus your Uncle Bill will want a complete and detailed report from start to finish. You know those old Mounties! He would be so proud, Allie." Adeli patted Allie's cheek. "You sang splendidly tonight!"
"Thank you so much." Allie responded as the Samuels came to share their appreciation.
"Good evening, Adeli! Allie? A wonderful performance! Your Latin was flawless according to my daughter. I confess I know more French, so have to trust her review!" Uncle Jon hugged Allie then released her to his wife.
"Excellent, Sweetheart!" Jane took her hands and leaned back. "I was surprised you didn't wear the cranberry dress we bought a couple weeks ago, but now that I see this up close, it is absolutely stunning. Is this a gift?"
Allie swayed as she responded. "Yes! Mrs. Thatcher gave it to me early so I could wear it tonight. Isn't is gorgeous?"
Grace heard her name and sidled up to Allie's side. "It's you that is gorgeous, dear girl! The dress only amplifies that truth." She nudged Allie.
Responding to her nudge, Allie corrected her self. "Oh, of course! Mrs. Thatcher, please let me introduce Uncle Bill Avery's lady friend, Adeli Foster. Aunt Adeli, please meet Mrs. Thatcher, Mrs. Thornton's mother. You'll have to tell Uncle Bill that you've met!" Allie giggled, then turning to and from the Samuels to Grace, Allie asked, "Have you been introduced yet?"
Answering with a smile, Grace responded quickly. "We have. The Collins's introduced us even before we entered the Concert Hall. We're planning to join the Samuels' for Sunday dinner! Isn't that lovely?" Nodding to Jane, Grace continued. "Thank you for including Elizabeth and me. I look forward to sharing with your family. Getting to know Nathan's friends is a pleasure! Should we bring anything?"
Jane Samuels laughed. "Bring yourselves and your appetite. It will be a family dinner, so expect a good meal and unexpected conversations!" She gave Grace a knowing smile and had twinkling eyes. "I understand we have some special things to celebrate this weekend!"
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(*44) "Gesu Bambino" Instrumental version with piano, cello and violin.
A.N.: Recommend online performance for the 2014 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at First Presbyterian Church in Haddonfield, NJ. Violinist is Robyn Bollinger, cellist is Nick Bollinger, and organist is Ted Barr
(*45) "The Wexford Carol." Irish carol of uncertain origins but likely composed in the 15th or 16th century. Public Domain.
A.N.: Recommend a beautiful arrangement of the Wexford Carol by Alison Krauss, Yo Yo Ma, Natalie MacMaster, Shane Shanahan & Cristiana Pato. The solo voice with cello and bagpipes accompaniment would have been sung by the entire student choir in unison, with a student cellist and the father of a student playing the bagpipes from behind the stage.
(*46) "Quem Pastores Laudavere," Printed in numerous 16th and 17th century song and psalm books, both Protestant and Roman Catholic. Public Domain. English translation:
"The One who the shepherds praised, And about whom the Angels told:
Abandon your present fears,' The King of Glory is born.
To Him the Kings walked, Carrying gold, frankincense and myrrh,
Offering them religiously, For the Lion's victory.
Of Christ the King, God born, Who was given to us by Mary,
We should sing the merit: Praise, honor and glory."
A.N.: Recommend the online recording entitled Quem Pastores Laudavere, Harry Christophers The Sixteen, Christmas Music in Medieval Times as it is a simplified version. Please try to imagine Allie Grant singing the main melody in Latin while a few choir members quietly hum the harmony in the background.
(*47) "Baloo, Lammy." Traditional Scottish, First verse attributed to John Wedderburn, 1567. Remaining verses unknown. Public Domain.
A.N.: Recommend online recording by the Vancouver Chamber Choir
(*48) "Von Himmel Hoch," From Heaven on High, I Come to You. Martin Luther, 1535, Translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1855. Public Domain
A.N.: Recommend From Heaven High I Come to You - Milligan Concert Choir
(*49) "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly" Traditional Polish Christmas carol, that may date back to the thirteenth century, was translated into English in 1920 by Edith Margaret Gellibrand Reed. Let's make believe this would have been available to the choir directors in Regina in time to perform at the concert!
A.N.: Recommend online recording by the Vancouver Chamber Choir
(*50) "A La Nanita Nana." Traditional Spanish carol. Composed by José Ramón Gomis with lyrics written by Juan Francisco Muñoz y Pabón and published in 1904. Public Domain.
A.N.: Recommend online recording of the Texas Children's Choir.
(*51) "All My Heart This Night Rejoices" German by Paul Gerhardt - 1659, Translated by Catherine Winkworth - 1858. Public Domain
A.N.: Recommend All My Heart This Night Rejoices – The Stairwell Carollers
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Author's Note: As my Hanukah and Christmas gift to those who are members of the Sunday Night Serge Book Club Facebook page, I will try to post the links (in the comments under my chapter update announcement) to each of my recommended recordings so you can enjoy the concert in your own home! Isn't the internet wonderful sometimes?!
Thank you for staying with this story and I promise future chapters will return to more dialog to move the story forward!
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