Celtic Song of Farewell (May choirs of angels) - Schaubel

The funeral hymn is based on the traditional Latin hymn "In Paradisum".

The translated English works were adapted to fit the tune by American Roman Catholic musician/composer, poet, musical theatre director, and later church music director, Steve Schaubel (1953-2016). The hymn was published in 1998 by World Library Publications, and sheet music for is still available from GIA (link below).

With meter 12 10 12 10, the hymn is set a tune which may be called either LONDONDERRY AIRE or AIR FROM COUNTY DERRY - which is also used for the Irish folk-song Danny Boy, and other hymns including I Cannot Tell why He Whom Angels Worship, and also the funeral hymn O Loving God.

Celtic cross in a graveyard at the top of a hill

Image from Pixabay

Downloads

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Sheet music from GIA

Examples

Singer with light orchestral backing, professional recording:

Small choir with violin and backing piano - professional recording:

Soloist with piano, recorded live at a church-service:

Soloist with piano, professional recording:

Duet with piano:

Singer with guitar:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

May choirs of angels lead you into paradise,
and may the martyrs come to welcome you,
to bring you home into the holy city,
so you may dwell in new Jerusalem.
May holy angels be there at your welcoming,
with all the saints who go before you there,
that you may know the peace and joy of paradise;
that you may enter into everlasting rest.