…and Tears No Bitterness

Ralph Hultgren Written for Bill Buchanan, one of the preeminent music teachers in Queensland, …and tears no bitterness is a tribute and celebration of a nurturer and a developer of talent. Bill would most often commence a concert with his band playing ‘Abide With Me’. After a discussion about this tradition, about the meaning both musically and personally and about its contribution to military situations, especially ANZAC Day, the simple hymn tune, Eventide, became the basis for this work. With the words …and tears no bitterness taken from the fourth verse of the hymn, this work is a setting of an original melody and its variants interspersed with Bill’s favourite hymn, ‘Abide With Me.’ Duration: 5’39” Grade 4