Hymn to the Day

The composition HYMN TO THE DAY is based on the sacred hymn THE DAY THOU GAVEST, LORD, IS ENDED, which was initially very well-known and popular in England. The British composer, conductor, musicologist and organist Arthur Seymour Sullivan (1842–1900) first published it in 1874 as part of a collection of church songs. Over the course of time, numerous (German) adaptations were created based on the melody. They all focus on the evening's thanks for what has been experienced during the day and thus turn the song into a "hymn to the day".

The Austrian composer, conductor and arranger Martin Scharnagl first heard the melody during the television broadcast of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022. The moving theme immediately captivated the author and gave him the idea of making this music accessible to the wind orchestra. However, HYMN TO THE DAY goes far beyond a simple chorale arrangement. Rather, Martin Scharnagl has very skilfully composed new formal sections, transitions and themes, without affecting the simplicity of the underlying melodic material. With an experienced eye for the practical requirements of the wind orchestra, he has succeeded in creating a work that will without a doubt be part of the repertoire of numerous wind bands.