Thanksgiving Prelude

Grade Level 3

Year: 1995

Type: Thanksgiving

Composer: Stephen Bulla

Program Notes:

The familiar melody of “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” has been arranged in the form of a classical prelude.  In this way, the music surrounding the song is able to create a suitable atmosphere and context.  Most often associated with the Thanksgiving season, the words (written by Henry Alford) of the first verse reflect the traditions of harvest time:

Come, ye thankful people, come.

Raise the song of harvest home;

All is safely gathered in,

Ere the winter storms begin:

God, our maker, doth provide

For our wants to be supplied;

Come to God’s own temple, come,

Raise the song of harvest home.

American Instrumental Ensemble Series (AIES/ABES)