Alles zur Ruh / All are at rest

The German composer Franz Wilhelm Abt sets a gentle text by Marie Clausnitzer-Hennes, inviting us to find rest with the closing day. The words paint a picture of the sun setting beyond blue mountains, flowers closing their eyes on dewy meadows, and little birds singing themselves to sleep. The music offers a lullaby, bidding the listener to prepare for rest and join in with the evening bells. This SATB setting, a secular German part-song, captures the peaceful, serene mood of the text, creating a moment of calm contemplation.