Realms of Endless Day (Fantasy on Picardy)

"Realms of Endless Day" is a fantasy setting of the hymn tune melody, "Picardy." This melody, thought to have been named for the region in France where it is believed the melody originated, is also the melody for the hymns "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" and "Christians, Let Us Love One Another," as well as the "Hymn of Saint James." This enduring and tuneful melody is given three contrasting statements that gradually build to an exciting conclusion. This piece is scored for full orchestra by arranger Michael Kamuf, but will work quite effectively with strings alone.