Day by day​ (2020)

Found in dozens of Christian Hymnbooks is a Hymn entitled “Day By Day” with lyrics by Carolina Sandell written in 1865.  The tune to which these lyrics is most commonly set is known as “Blott En Dag” and was written by Swedish Composer Oscar Ahnfelt in 1872.  This Hymn was a favorite of conductor Alan Boyer, who founded the Utah Premiere Brass (UPB) – Utah’s only British-Style Brass Band.  Following his passing in 2018, I was commissioned by the UPB to create a setting of this tune for brass band as a way to honor Mr. Boyer.  I found the following verse to be particularly inspiring in writing this piece:
 
Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best-
Lovingly, it’s part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest

-Christopher M. Nelson