Nightwalk

St. Peter in Prison by REMBRANDT

Silent, slow, the thoughts at evening go

Unannounced through the remains of the day

Searching for untucked pieces lying low

In hope of blanketing softly, putting away

All wildness and leftover fears

As night falls and dreams draw near.

Lord, go with me and let your beauty

Snuff out all drab or barren ideals

Birthing loveliness on duty

Done in midst of things that steal

Bits of joy when heart and mind bend

With clouded view of my life’s end.

Bathe these reflections in true prayer,

The kind that softens me to receive Love

From the one Friend who quietly shares

Wordless bonding and takes hold of

Who I am, enlarging smallness into light

Glowing softly, peaceful against the night.

 © 2012 Nancy Gerst

And let the beauty 

of the Lord our God 

be upon us.    

Psalm 90:17

Rembrandt's paintings are noted for the strong use of chiaroscuro, the contrast between dark and light. WIKIPEDIA further notes:  "Classical voice instructors describe the optimal balance of clearness and darkness in the singing voice tone as chiaroscuro: a combination of brightness and "ping" (brilliance and resonance) with warmth and depth i.e. the 'dark' colours (natural or manufactured) of the individual timbre." 

Here is a beautiful piece by Russian composer Pavel Tschesnokov, "Salvation Is Created" which I find especially soul-stirring at nightfall. It also illustrates a chiaroscuro choral timbre. 

Salvation Is Created