O Take My Hand Dear Father-This celebrated song is based on a poem by Julie Hausmann (1826-1901) a Latvian teacher who was probably blind. The text draws on her personal experience and unshakeable faith in God death and eternal life. The melody by Friedrich Silcher is written in a simple and delicate style but also draws on the grand romantic tradition of Wagner and Bruckner. This arrangement can also be performed with a mixed choir. The choir parts are in German.