The Lone, Wild Bird (The Hills Are Bare at Bethlehem)

• Author/Composer/Arranger: Paul A. McKlveen
• Use: Sacred
• Octaves Used - Select One: 3 - 5 Octaves
• Level: Level 3
• Topic: Christmas, General, Pentecost
• Origin: America
• Options: Cello

The tune PROSPECT, from Walker's Southern Harmony (1835), is given a warm, gentle setting. The use of original material (reminiscent of a bell peal) establishes an ethereal quality, especially when played with mallets while the bells are suspended in the air. LV, swing, and echo are additional techniques used to help sustain the beauty, and add variety to this work. All of this effectively supports the hymn text, which begins with "the lone, wild bird in lofty flight is still with you, nor leaves your sight. And I am yours! I rest in you, Great Spirit, come, rest in me, too." With the alternate title, "The Hills Are Bare at Bethlehem," the piece may also be used during the Christmas season.