NSAA – Norwegian Singers Association of America Norwegian Singers Association of America

The Great White Flock
Norwegian folk tune, 17th century
Arranged by Edvard Grieg

The great white flock we see
Like thousands of mountains full of snow
with forests around of swinging palm trees
before the throne.  Who are they?

They are the host of heroes,
Who from the great tribulation came
And who have washed themselves
In the Lamb’s blood for heaven’s holiness.

They keep on church-going,
With unceasing song of jubilation
In the high choir where God dwells
In the midst of all the angels’ song.

Halfdan Kjerulf

Hark! the vesper hymn is stealing
o’er the waters soft and clear;
nearer yet and nearer pealing
and now bursts upon the ear:
Jubilate amen!
Farther now, now farther stealing
soft it fades upon the ear:
Jubilate amen!

Now like moonlight waves retreating
to the shore, it dies along;
now like angry surges meeting
breaks the mingled tide of song:
Jubilate amen!
Hush! again, like waves retreating
to the shore, it dies along:
Jubilate amen!

Hail to Thee, Norway
Peer Sivle

Hail to Thee, Norway!  Norway, our father’s land.
They glory is ours, thy justice is ours today.
Hail to Thee Norway!  Norway, our father’s land.
Honored, Thou shall be seated in the people’s council.
Hail to Thee Norway!  Norway, our father’s land.

Out to the Sea
Edvard Fliflet Braein

She stands there on shore, now lifts her hand,
and waves and smiles as I go out.
And my boat sails along the beach,
and she stands alone with sadness and longing.

I know that I have longings in my heart
but the boat pulls me away, so I must leave.
For now that I head toward rocks and islets
my thoughts are of home and the one I love.

I sure can have my sad moments
in loneliness here on an endless sea,
but the days go by, yes they are like a miracle,
when my wandering thoughts go to my dear.

If the days are gray and the nights are black,
I am here and humming a song in my heart,
to her at home my thoughts are drawn
to the one who smiles the day I return.

(translated by David Judisch and Kari Grønningsæter)