Program Notes
I grew up hearing my mother singing this song in our home as she did her chores with her beautiful, soprano
voice. She drew the listener in with her expressive phrasing and colorful timbres. So, it didnt surprise me
when I woke up this morning with that hymn in my mind. As it played in my head, I knew that I wanted to use
this hymn to arrange for my piano student, Zachary Kim, to play in church.
I also chose the Key of Db Major, because this is my mothers favorite key. She taught herself how to play the
piano because her family couldnt afford to pay for piano lessons. Thus, I dedicate this arrangement to her, my
mother, Ruth Cardillo Robinson, a singing missionary from the Philippines.
It was Charles Austin Miles (1868 1946) who wrote this popular gospel hymn in 1912. He was a Pharmacist
from Philadelphia who became the editor and manager of Hall-Mack Publishers for 37 years. He wrote over
398 songs. His best-known hymn, "In The Garden," also known as, "I Come to the Garden Alone," has been
recorded in 210 hymnals and recorded numerous times.