Day 7 - Jul, stralande jul (Christmas, Radiant Christmas) [Sweden]
Jul, stralande jul is a Christmas song with lyrics by Edvard Evers and music by Gustaf Nordqvist which was first published in 1921. The song was one of the most common Christmas carols in Sweden during the 20th century. The lyrics describe Christmas as white, then snow-filled, and then depicts the rest of the Christmas blessings, with a wish that Christmas brings light and peace.
Jul, jul, strålande jul, glans över vita skogar, [Christmas, Christmas, glorious Christmas, splendor over white forests] himmelens kronor med gnistrande ljus, [the crowns of the sky with sparkling light] glimmande bågar i alla Guds hus, [gleaming arches in all the houses of God] psalm som är sjungen från tid till tid, [a hymn sung from time to time] eviga längtan till ljus och frid! [eternal longing for light and peace!] Jul, jul, strålande jul; glans över vita skogar. [Christmas, Christmas, glorious Christmas; shine over white forests.]
Kom, kom, signade jul! Sänd dina vita vingar [Come, come, sign Christmas! Send your white wings] över stridernas blod och larm, [over the blood and alarm of the battles] över all suckan ur människobarm, [over all the sigh from the bosom of man] över de släkten som gå till ro, [over the families that go to rest] över de ungas dagande bo! [over the young people's day-to-day living!] Kom, kom, signade jul! Sänk dina vita vingar. [Come, come, sign Christmas! Lower your white wings.]
Een Kind geboren in Bethlehem (A Child Born in Bethlehem; in Latin: Puer natus in Bethlehem) dates back to long before the Reformation in the 16th century and is known and loved in several versions to this day. Over the centuries, much of this carol has been revised, added or taken away from it. And no song has so many variants, arrangements and German translations as this carol. In ancient manuscripts, the number of Latin stanzas varies between six and twelve, probably not all by the same author [the verses sung in each performance is noted below]. It has also been associated with several melodies over the centuries. The composers of these melodies are unknown.
The Christmas carol Puer natus in Bethlehem was originally a classic shepherd's song, generally narrative, simple and idyllic in character. The oldest known Dutch version is from the end of the 15th century.
(1) Een Kind geboren in Bethlehem [A Child is born in Bethlehem] Verblidet alle Jeruzale [for whom all Jerusalem rejoices] Amor, amor, amor, amor [Love, love, love, love] Amor, quam dulcis est amor [Love, how sweet is love]
(2) Die zoon die nam die mensheid aan [That Son who took on humanity] die bi den vader komen kan [who will come to the Father] Amor, amor . . .
(3) Toen Gabriël die engel kwam [When Gabriel that angel came] die jonckvrouw toen den zoon gewan [to tell that young lady about her Son] Amor, amor . . .
(4) Een bruidegom uit zijne kameren [A groom from his chambers] gekomen zonder jammeren [came without wailing] Amor, amor . . .
(5) Zi leiden in een kribbekijn [They stayed in a manger] des eeuwigen vaders zonekijn [in the eternal Father's care] Amor, amor . . .
(6) Die os en ezel hebben’t geweten [The ox and ass knew] dat dat Kind is Jezus geheten [that that Child was Jesus] Amor, amor . . .
(7) Drie koningen kwamen uit Oostenlande [Three kings came from the West] en brachten met hen hun offerande [and brought with them their offerings] Amor, amor . . .
(8) Zi gingen daar te samen in [They went in there together] en groeten dat nieuw kindekijn [to greet that new Baby] Amor, amor . . .
(9) Die engelen zongen toendertijd [Those angels sang back then] die herderkens waren mee verblijd [and the shepherds rejoiced with it] Amor, amor . . .
(10) Die engelen in der eerde mede [The angels in heaven] en die gelovigen kregen de vrede [and those on earth were given peace] Amor, amor . . .
(11) Al met die engelen willen wi zingen [We sing with those angels] en laten onze herten in vroeden springen [and it make our hearts spring] Amor, amor . . .
Een Kind geboren in Bethlehem - Martin Čepelík & Andrea Mineva [verses 1, 7, 9, 11]
Een Kind geboren in Bethlehem - Exsultate [verses 1, 2, 5]
Een Kind geboren in Bethlehem - Hulster Gemengd Koor [verses 1, 7, 9, 11]
Een Kind geboren in Bethlehem - arr. by Wilko Brouwers / StrijpsKamerkoor [verses 1, 6, 5]
Day 5 - U to vrijeme godišta (At That Time of Year) [Croatia]
U to vrijeme godišta (At That Time of Year) is one of the oldest Croatian Christmas songs. In its original form it contains some 30 verses, covering all the actors and event of the Christmas story (baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels, etc). It originated in the region of Istria, spreading to Dalmatia, and later reaching the rest of Croatia. The author of the text is unknown; the tune derives from the Latin song In hoc anni circulo, from the repertoire of Saint-Martial (France), in the 11th century.
U to vrijeme godišta [At that time of year] Mir se svijetu naviješta [Peace is proclaimed to the world] Porođenjem Djetešca [By the birth of a Child] Kom’ je majka djevica. [The mother is a virgin.]
Anđeli se javili [The angels answered] Rajsku pjesmu slagali [The paradise song was lied to] Slava Bogu pjevali [Praise be to God] A mir ljud’ma prosili. [And they asked the peace of the people.]
Djeva Sina rodila [The Virgin’s Son gave birth] Đavlu silu slomila [She broke the devil’s power] Svijetu Spasa podala [To the world of salvation] Nama majka postala. [Our mother became.]
A mi Kristu hvalimo [And we praise Christ] S anđelima pjevamo [With the angels we sing] Radi žrtve njegove [For his sacrifice] Što je za nas započe. [Which is a start for us.]
Day 4 - O Little Town of Bethlehem [England] (tune: Forest Green/Vaughan Williams)
O Little Town of Bethlehem is a popular Christmas carol based on a text written by Phillips Brooks in 1868. The carol is well known in both Great Britain and the United States, however it is sung to different tunes on each side of the Atlantic. For North American's the carol is sung to the tune St. Louis by Brooks' collaborator, Lewis Redner. In the United Kingdom and Ireland the text is sung to Forest Green, a tune collected by Ralph Vaughan Williams and first published in the 1906 English Hymnal. Forest Green is Vaughan Williams' adaption of the English folk ballad The Ploughboy's Dream, which he collected in Forest Green, Surrey in 1903.
We're presenting a number of Forest Green/Vaughan Williams versions for your Holiday pleasure.
O Little Town of Bethlehem - Christ Church Cathedral Victoria
Day 3 - Den přeslavný jest k nám přišel (The Glorious Day Has Come to Us) [Czech Republic]
This traditional Czech carol can be sung using a wide variety of verses. The first verse - with the title of the carol, of course! - gets things going, but each set of performers choose different verses to suit their needs. Each verse consists of two lines, followed by two more lines which are usually sung twice. A few verses have four concluding lines.
I have found many different verses to Den přeslavný jest k nám přišel online. A traditional set of nine verses can be found here. 18 different verses are listed below. The text in curly brackets are alternate lines that appear in some versions. I've also noted with each performance (below) which verses they've chosen to sing.
Užívat si (Enjoy)!
(1) Den přeslavný jest k nám přišel, [The glorious day has come to us] v němž má býti každý vesel, {dnes má byti každý vese} [in which every oar is to be, {every oar is to be today}]
CHORUS Radujme se, veselme se, [Let us rejoice, let us rejoice] v tomto novém roce {v tomto narození} [in this new year {in this birth}]
(2) Dítě se nám narodilo {Že se dítě narodilo} [The baby was born to us {That the baby was born}] proroctví se vyplnilo [the prophecy was fulfilled] Radujme se . . .
(3) Izaiáš prorokoval, [Isaiah prophesied] anjel Gabriel zvěstoval, [the angel Gabriel preached] Radujme se . . .
(4) Že se narodilo dítě, [That a child was born] v Betlémě v tom malém městě, [in Bethlehem in that small town] Radujme se . . .
(5) V hospodě místa nemělo, [There was no place in the pub] mezi hovady leželo, [among the beasts lay] Radujme se . . .
(6) Maria povíjíc hbá, [Maria, saying] radující se kolébá, [rejoicing] Radujme se . . .
(7) Kdo slyšel divy takové, [Who has heard such wonders] že přišli tři králové, [that three kings have come] Radujme se . . .
(8) Od východu slunce k němu, [From sunrise to him] darující dary jemu, [giving gifts to him] Radujme se . . .
(9) V tomto Božím narození, [In this birth of God] radůj se všecko stvoření, [rejoice all creation] Radujme se . . .
(10) A buďme veselí spolu {Za rok se sejdem zas spolu} [And let's be happy together {I'll meet together again in a year}] připijme jeden druhému [let's drink to each other] Radujme se . . .
(11) Králové přišli z východu, [The kings came from the east] přinesli dary národů [they brought the gifts of the nations] Radujme se . . .
(12) Abysme k vám přes rok přišli {Aby jsme k vám za rok přišli} [To come to you in a year {To come to you in a year}] a vás ve zdraví zas našli [and they found you in good health again] Radujme se . . .
(13) Ať nás nežhne věčný plamen, [May the eternal flame not burn us] uchovej nás Kriste. Amen [keep us Christ. Amen] Radujme se . . .
(14) Kriste pro tvé narození, [Christ for your birth] dej nám hříchů odpuštění! [give us sins forgiveness!] Radujme se . . .
(15) Nového léta vinšujem [I blame the new summer] Syna neb dcery vám přejem [I wish you a son or a daughter] Léto mine a pomine {radujme se, veselme se} [Summer passes and passes {let us rejoice, let us rejoice}] Dobrého vám přejem. {dobrého vám přejem.} [I wish you good. {I wish you good.}]
(16) Abychom k vám přes rok přišli [To come to you over a year] a vás ve zdraví zas našli [and they found you in good health again] Léto mine a pomine [Summer passes and passes] Vás ve zdraví našli. [They found you in good health]
(17) Za rok se sejdem zas spolu, [I will meet again in a year] připijem jeden druhému, [I'll drink to each other] piva, vína, páleného, [beer, wine, burnt] na zdraví druhého. [to the health of the other]
(18) Pěkná paní a pěknej pán, [Nice lady and nice gentleman] nedá-li paní, dá pán sám, [if the lady does not give, the lord will give himself] Radujte se, veselte se, [Rejoice, rejoice] koledy nám dává. [carols give us]
Den přeslavný jest k nám přišel/ verse 1, 10, 12
Den přeslavný jest k nám přišel - Tempus / verse 1, 12, 17
Den přeslavný jest k nám přišel - arranged by Martin Novák / verse 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 14, 13
Star in the East (sometime known as Brightest and Best) is an American hymn which appears in Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, a shape-note hymn and tune book compiled by William Walker and first published in 1835. It is not known who wrote the music, or the words of the first verse. Verses 2 through 4, though, were written in 1811 by Reginald Heber. The text is clearly addressing the Star of Bethlehem, and hoping that today's (namely, his contemporaries') Christians will be led to Jesus, just as the Magi were led to His cradle, by following the Light (Jesus and His message). There are a whole set of theological arguments to do with Jesus Christ as the bringer of light . . . Son of the Morning / Morning Star / Bringer of the Dawn. He brings light to the world, as well as the individual soul, and with that light, the darkness fails. In the shape-note singing tradition, the music is strident and energetic, evoking images of fervent worshipers, stomping their feet as they raise their voices in song. One other thing unique about shape-note singing is that the song's tune is in the middle of the musical texture, not in the highest voice as is usual in most western choral music.
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning! Dawn on our darkness and lend us Thine aid! Star of the East, the horizon adorning, Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid!
Cold on his cradle the dew-drops are shining, Low lies his head with the beasts of the stall, Angels adore Him in slumber reclining, Maker and Monarch and Savior of all!
Say, shall we yield Him, in costly devotion, Odours of Edom and offerings divine? Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean, Myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine?
Vainly we offer each ample oblation; Vainly with gifts would His favour secure; Richer by far is the heart's adoration; Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning! Dawn on our darkness and lend us Thine aid! Star of the East, the horizon adorning, Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid!
Day 1 - Christmas Day! Heinillä härkien kaukalon (On the hay, in the bull's trough) [Finland]
Merry Christmas one and all! I hope you are relaxing, remaining healthy, and enjoying the holidays with your loved ones.
We start the real Twelve Days of Christmas with the most beloved carol in Finland - Heinillä härkien kaukalon - which is actually the Finnish version of the 16th century (possibly even 13th century) French carol Entre le bœuf et l'âne gris (Between the Ox and the Gray Donkey). Like most early Christmas songs, this carol is about the nativity scene. Not much is known about the song other than the fact that it originated in France. The song may have been inspired by the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 1, Verse 3 where the ox and the donkey are present for the birth of Jesus.
Härän ja harmaan aasin välissä nukkuu pieni poika. Tuhat taivaallista enkeliä, tuhat serafia lentävät tämän suuren rakkauden Jumalan ympärillä.
Marian käsivarsilla nukkuu elämän hedelmä. Tuhat taivaallista enkeliä...
Ruusujen ja liljojen keskellä nukkuu pieni poika. Tuhat taivaallista enkeliä...
Varkaiden välissä ristillä nukkuu kuningasten kuningas. Tuhat taivaallista enkeliä... ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Entre le bœuf et l'âne gris Dort, dort, dort le petit fils, Mille anges divins, mille séraphins Volent à l'entour de ce grand Dieu d'amour.
Entre les deux bras de Marie Dort, dort, dort le fruit de vie Mille anges divins...
Entre les roses et les lys, Dort, dort, dort le petit fils, Mille anges divins...
Entre les larrons sur la Croix Dort, dort, dort le Roi des Rois Mille anges divins... ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
On the hay, in the bulls' trough Sleeps an innocent Child. The path of a flock of angels Soon leads to Him To marvel at the greatest Love.
In the hems of the beloved mother Sleeps the Son of God. The path of a flock of angels Soon leads to Him To marvel at the greatest Love.
In the midst of lilies and roses Sleeps the Lord of people. The path of a flock of angels Soon leads to Him To marvel at the greatest Love.
At the cross beside a robber Sleeps the purest Victim. The path of a flock of angels Soon leads to Him To marvel at the greatest Love.
So many performances to choose from, and in a wide range of styles. Enjoy these gems!
Day 1 - Chtíc, aby spal (Adam Michna z Otradovic) [Czech Republic]
Most Czech carols are folk carols and as such, their authors remain unknown. However, this is not the case with the baroque carol Chtíc, aby spal (Wanting Him to Sleep) composed by Adam Václav Michna z Otradovic. While Michna is not as world-famous as other Czech composers such as Antonín Dvořák, Leoš Janáček, or Bedřich Smetana, he greatly contributed to Czech music. For example, he composed Česká mariánská muzika (Czech Marian Music - namely, Czech music for Mary) in 1647, where Chtíc, aby spal appeared for the first time. It is without a doubt his most famous piece and so, during Advent, you can hear it almost everywhere. It is often played by buskers in Czech streets and it has been used in various Christmas movies as well!
The carol is also sometimes called Vánoční or Vánoční noc (Christmas Night) and, just like the name, the lyrics of the carol sometimes differ as well. Only the first half of the first verse remains the same everywhere. It tells of the Virgin Mary singing to baby Jesus, soothing Him to sleep. Interestingly enough, it is one of a few Czech baroque pieces that was translated into German as Als Jungfrau zart ihr Kinderlein. Usually, it was the other way around as the Czech lands (Bohemia and Moravia) were a part of Austria for about four centuries. (many thanks to Anna Minjaríková at blog.foreigners.cz)
Chtíc, aby spal, tak zpívala, synáčkovi; [Wanting him to sleep, she sang to her son] matka jež ponocovala, miláčkovi; [the mother who spent the night, darling] nynej rozkošné děťátko, synu boží. [now adorable baby, Son of God] Nynej, nynej, nemluvňátko, světa zboží. [Now, now, baby, world goods]
Dřímej,to matky žádost je,holubičko [Nap, it's mother's request, dove] v tobě se duše raduje, ó, perličko! [the soul rejoices in you, oh bead!] Nebesa chválu pějí tvou, slávu a čest, [The heavens sing your praise, the glory and the honor] velebí tebe každý tvor, tisíce hvězd. [every creature glorifies you, thousands of stars]
Ó fialo, ó lilium, ó růže má, [O violet, O lily, O my rose] nynej, vonné konvalium, zahrádko má. [now, fragrant lily of the valley, the garden has] Ó loutno má, ó labuť má, můj slavíčku! [O my lute, O my swan, my nightingale!] Nynej, líbezná harfo má, cymbáličku. [Now, the lovely harp has a cymbal]
Chtíc, aby spal
Chtíc, aby spal - Piccolo Chorus and Piccola Orchestra
Day 2 - See, Amid the Winter's Snow (lyrics: Edward Caswall; music: Sir John Goss) [England]
Edward Caswall wrote the poem See, amid the winter's snow shortly after converting from the Church of England to the Roman Catholic Church and joining the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri. It was first published in 1858 as part of The Masque of Mary and Other Poems. In 1871, John Goss wrote the tune Humility specifically for the carol. Later in the year, the publisher Bramley and Stainer selected See, amid the winter's snow to be included in their Christmas Carols Old and New hymn book. The carol went on to became very popular, though some of the original seven verses were cut from later publications.
The hymn tells the story of the nativity from the viewpoint of the shepherds and captures their wonder and joy when they see Jesus. The refrain to each verse continually adds to that excitement by declaring Christmas Day to be the dawn of redemption for the whole world.
See, Amid the Winter's Snow - St. Thomas Choir, Fifth Avenue, New York
See, Amid the Winter's Snow - Sarah Hunt
See, Amid the Winter's Snow - Cambridge Choir of King's College
Day 3 - Wij komen van Oosten (We’ve come from the East) [Belgium]
This song for Christmas has an interesting (and confusing) past. Especially for me, since I don't speak or read Dutch! From what I can glean from a number of Dutch language blogs - Thank you, Google Translate! - the text has origins in the 18th century, but some of its now somewhat nonsensical words are distortions of the original text written so long ago. In addition, there are some Belgian references that are lost on non-native speakers. Here's my attempt to make a little sense of it all:
Each verse contains two lines that are clearly related to Christmas and the birth of Christ:
Verse 1 (see below for the full text): Wij komen van Oosten, wij komen van ver (We come from the East, we come from afar) Wij zijn er drie koningen met een ster (We are three kings brought by a star)
Verse 2: Gij sterre gij moet er zo stille niet staan (Thou star thou shouldst not stay so silent) Gij moet er met ons naar Bethlehem gaan (You must go with us to Bethlehem)
Verse 3: Te Bethlehem in die kleine stad (At Bethlehem in the small town) Maria met haar klein kindeke zat (Mary sat with her little child)
Verse 4: En ‘t kindeke heeft al zo lange geleefd (And the baby lived so long) Dat ‘t hemel en aarde geschapen heeft (That It created heaven and earth)
Verse 5: Ja, hemel en aarde en dan nog meer (Yes, heaven and earth and then more) Dat is er een teken van God de Heer (That's a sign from God the Lord)
Verse 6: this one just contains a note from the singer of the song Wij hebben gezongen al voor dit huis (We have already sung for this house) Geeft ons een penning dan gaan we weer naar huis (Give us a token and we'll go home)
Interspersed between and after those Christmas related lines, repeated with each verse, are these lines:
- - - [Christmas related text] A la beline postiljon - - - [Christmas related text] A la beline postiljon, van cher ami tot in de knie Wij zijn drie koningskinderen Sa pater trok naar Vendelo, van cher ami
The first bit in the original text was à la berdina kosteljon, a typical popular slip of the French à la berline, postiljon, which meant “to your Berliner carriage, coachman.” And a Berliner carriage was one of the those fancy, horse drawn carriages that kings, queens and royalty traveled around in. Leopold II, the Belgian "Sun King," also drove around in a Berline.
The rest of the text is: - van cher ami [a corruption of Jeremie, meaning the prophet Jeremiah]
- tot in de knie [????; literally translated: up to the knee; maybe it just sounded like a good rhyme to the last phrase!]
- Wij zijn drie koningskinderen [literally: We are three royal children; a corruption of the earlier text Karel Konings kinderen (King Karl/Charles' children)]
- Sa pater trok naar Vendelo [literally: Father went to Vendelo] is a corruption of the earlier text pater bonne Franselijn [??? the good Father of French-lineage?]
Or something like that! So, for us English speakers, it doesn't make much sense. And even for Dutch speakers, or Belgians, much of it is nonsense. But of course we're fine with:
Hey, diddle, diddle, The cat and the fiddle, The cow jumped over the moon; The little dog laughed To see such sport, And the dish ran away with the spoon.
So enjoy the song . . . it certainly looks like our singers today are enjoying themselves!
Wij komen van Oosten, wij komen van ver (We come from the East, we come from afar) A la beline postiljon Wij zijn er drie koningen met een ster (We are three kings brought by a star) A la beline postiljon, van cher ami tot in de knie Wij zijn drie koningskinderen Sa pater trok naar Vendelo, van cher ami
Gij sterre gij moet er zo stille niet staan (O star, thou shouldst not stay there so silent) A la beline postiljon Gij moet er met ons naar Bethlehem gaan (You must go with us to Bethlehem) A la beline postiljon, van cher ami tot in de knie Wij zijn drie koningskinderen Sa pater trok naar Vendelo, van cher ami
Te Bethlehem in die kleine stad (At Bethlehem in the small town) A la beline postiljon Maria met haar klein kindeke zat (Mary sat with her little child) A la beline postiljon, van cher ami tot in de knie Wij zijn drie koningskinderen Sa pater trok naar Vendelo, van cher ami
En ‘t kindeke heeft al zo lange geleefd (And the Baby lived so long) A la beline postiljon Dat ‘t hemel en aarde geschapen heeft (That It created heaven and earth) A la beline postiljon, van cher ami tot in de knie Wij zijn drie koningskinderen Sa pater trok naar Vendelo, van cher ami
Ja, hemel en aarde en dan nog meer (Yes, heaven and earth and then more) A la beline postiljon Dat is er een teken van God de Heer (That's a sign from God the Lord) A la beline postiljon, van cher ami tot in de knie Wij zijn drie koningskinderen Sa pater trok naar Vendelo, van cher ami
Wij hebben gezongen al voor dit huis (We have already sung for this house) A la beline postiljon Geeft ons een penning dan gaan we weer naar huis (Give us a token and we'll go home) A la beline postiljon, van cher ami tot in de knie Wij zijn drie koningskinderen Sa pater trok naar Vendelo, van cher ami
Wij komen van Oosten
Wij komen van Oosten - Inge & Nicole
Wij komen van Oosten
Wij komen van Oosten
Wij komen van Oosten - Nigel Campbell Pennick (mountain dulcimer)
Narodi nam se Kralj nebeski (The King of Heaven is Born to Us) is a Christmas song originating from northern Croatia. It is one of the most solemn Christmas carols in Croatia, which is why it often receives an honorary place at the end of the Christmas liturgy. In this carol, two key expressions, Young King and Young Summer, take us deep into history. Young King recalls the time of Arpadović in Croatia, when every Hungarian king tried to crown his firstborn as Croatian king as soon as possible. Young Summer reflects the time when the new year began in Croatia on Christmas Day. In this hymn-song all the companions of Christmas are enumerated: St. Stephen (December 26), St. John (December 27), the Innocent Children (December 28), Pope St. Sylvester I, St. Thomas (December 31), Three Kings Day (January 6). All these actually represent different classes; St. Stephen represents the martyrs, St. John the virgin husbands and wives, Sylvester and Thomas the clergy, bishops and popes, etc.
This song is from the beginning of the 20th century so the language is somewhat archaic. It is about Jesus’ birth, which symbolizes the new beginning, a new time, and the New Year.
Narodi nam se Kralj nebeski, [The heavenly king is born] od Marije, čiste Djevice. [by Mary the Virgin]
Refrain Na tom mladom ljetu veselimo se, [We are looking forward to the new year] mladoga Kralja mi molimo. [we pray to the young King]
Po njemu slijedi sveti Stjepan, [Saint Stephen follows after] prvi mučenik Gospoda Boga. [the first martyr of God our Lord]
REFRAIN
Daj nam Bog zdravlje, k tomu veselje, [Lord we pray for health and joy] na tom mladom ljetu svega obilja! [abundance in the new year]
REFRAIN
Narodi nam se Kralj nebeski -
Narodi nam se Kralj nebeski -
Narodi nam se Kralj nebeski - Patrik Špoljarić (organ)
Maybe not the last person, but probably way down on the list of people who you'd think of when considering composers of Christmas music, would be Charles Ives. An "American Iconoclast," "the first American composer to successfully abandon the European music tradition," a "flinty New Englander" with a "stubborn willfulness to grab a moment." These are not descriptions that would lead us to a piece of music suitable for the Christmas season. Yet, as with all things Ives, there's always some surprise to be found in a quiet corner.
Ives' song, A Christmas Carol, probably dates from Christmas 1894. The poem is Ives’s own and the berceuse-like rhythm and devotional atmosphere establish parallels with many another carols. A peaceful, beautiful contemplation.
Little star of Bethlehem! Do we see Thee now? Do we see Thee shining O’er the tall trees? Little Child of Bethlehem! Do we hear thee in our hearts? Hear the Angels singing: Peace on earth, good will to men! Noel!
O’er the cradle of a King, Hear the Angels sing: In Excelsis Gloria, Gloria! From his Father’s home on high, Lo! for us He came to die; Hear the Angels sing: Venite adoremus Dominum.
Ives: A Christmas Carol - Ian Howell, countertenor
The Huron Carol (or Twas in the Moon of Wintertime) is Canada's oldest Christmas song. It was probably written in 1642 by Jean de Brébeuf, a Jesuit missionary living among the Hurons at Sainte-Marie, Canada. Brébeuf wrote the lyrics in the native language of the Huron/Wyandot people - the song's original Huron title is Jesous Ahatonhia (Jesus, he is born). The melody used for the carol is based on the traditional French folk song, Une Jeune Pucelle (A Young Maid). The well-known English lyrics were written in 1926 by Jesse Edgar Middleton. The English version of the hymn uses imagery familiar to those living in the early 20th century, in place of the traditional Nativity story. This version is derived from Brébeuf's original song and Huron religious concepts. In the English version, Jesus is born in a "lodge of broken bark" and wrapped in a "robe of rabbit skin." He is surrounded by hunters instead of shepherds, and the Magi are portrayed as "chiefs from afar" who bring him "fox and beaver pelts" instead of the more familiar gold, frankincense and myrrh. The English translation uses a traditional Algonquian name, Gitchi Manitou, for God, which is not in the original Wyandot version. The original lyrics are now sometimes modified to use imagery accessible to Christians who are not familiar with the cultures of Canada's First Peoples.
'Twas in the moon of winter-time When all the birds had fled, That mighty Gitchi Manitou Sent angel choirs instead; Before their light the stars grew dim, And wandering hunters heard the hymn: "Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, In excelsis gloria."
Within a lodge of broken bark The tender Babe was found, A ragged robe of rabbit skin Enwrapp'd His beauty round; But as the hunter braves drew nigh, The angel song rang loud and high... "Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, In excelsis gloria."
The earliest moon of wintertime Is not so round and fair As was the ring of glory On the helpless infant there. The chiefs from far before him knelt With gifts of fox and beaver pelt. "Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, In excelsis gloria."
O children of the forest free, O sons of Manitou, The Holy Child of earth and heaven Is born today for you. Come kneel before the radiant Boy Who brings you beauty, peace and joy. "Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, In excelsis gloria." [1926 English version by Jesse Edgar Middleton]
The Huron Carol (arr. by Sarah MacDonald) - Ely Cathedral Choir
När det lider mot jul, also known as Det strålar en stjärna, is a Swedish Christmas song with lyrics by Jeanna Oterdahl, and written for vocals and piano in 1909 by Ruben Liljefors. A version for mixed choir, a cappella, was arranged in 1933 and originally published in 1944.
Det strålar en stjärna förunderligt blid [There is a star shining wonderfully gentle] I öster på himlen hon står. [In the east in the sky it is] Hon lyst över världenes oro och strid [It has been gleaming over the worries and struggles of the world] I nära två tusende år. [Since nearly two thousand years]
När dagen blir mörk och när snön faller vit, [When the day gets dark and when the snow falls white] Då skrider hon närmre, då kommer hon hit. [It comes closer, then it comes here] Och då vet man, att snart är det jul! [And then you know that soon it is Christmas] for the rest of the English translation, see here Ty julen är härlig för stora och små, Är glädje och ljuvaste frid. Är klappar och julgran och ringdans också, Är lycka oändligen blid
Är ljus, allas ögon då stråla som bäst Och stjärnorna tindra som mest. Och där ljuset är, där är det jul!
När dagen blir mörk och när snön faller vit, Då skrider hon närmre, då kommer hon hit. Och då vet man, att snart är det jul!
Vamos, Pastores, Vamos is a song for the Christmas season composed in 16th century Spain. The traditional melody accompanies lyrics that invite the shepherds to visit the newborn Jesus and to be witnesses of His glory. It has long been one of the most widely recognized and sung Christmas Carols in the Latin America.
Chorus: Vamos pastores, vamos (Come, shepherds, come) Vamos a Belén (Let's go to Bethlehem) A ver en ese niño (To see in that Child) La gloria del Edén (The glory of Eden) A ver en ese niño (To see in that Child) La gloria del Edén (The glory of Eden)
¡Ese precioso niño! (That precious Boy!) Yo me muero por Él (I am dying for Him) Sus ojitos me encantan (I love his little eyes) Su boquita también (His mouth too) El padre le acaricia (The father caresses Him) La madre mira en Él (The mother looks at Him) Y los dos extasiados (And the two ecstatic) Contemplan aquel ser (They contemplate that being) Contemplan aquel ser (They contemplate that being)
CHORUS
Es tan lindo el chiquito (The Little One is so cute) Que nunca podrá ser (It is unbelievable) Que su belleza copie (Let her beauty be copied) El lápiz y el pincel (Pencil and brush) Pues el Eterno Padre (By the Eternal Father) Con inmenso poder (With immense power) Hizo que el Hijo fuera (He made the Son be) Excelso como Él (Exalted like Him) Excelso como Él (Exalted like Him)
CHORUS
Vamos, Pastores, Vamos - Estudiantina Guadalajara
Vamos, Pastores, Vamos - Eastern Bloom
Vamos, Pastores, Vamos - Cantos de Misa con Ukelele
Although we know the music and lyrics of Tu scendi dalle stelle were written by the Neapolitan bishop, spiritual writer, composer, musician, artist, poet, lawyer, scholastic philosopher, and theologian Alphonsus Liguori, it’s not common knowledge that today’s carol was inspired by the Neapolitan folksong Quanno nascette Ninno a Bettlemme (When the baby was born in Bethlehem) - sometimes referred to as the Carol of the Bagpipers (Canzone d'i zampognari) - and that Alphonsus was the first priest to write lyrics for a religious song in dialect. Some scholars believe that Alphonsus, a gifted musician, wrote the music and lyrics (in dialect) while staying at the Convent of the Consolation in Deliceto, a town in the province of Foggia, and that only later did Pope Pius IX translate Alphonsus’ lyrics into Italian. Others think that Alphonsus wrote two versions, one with lyrics in dialect and one with lyrics in Italian, at the same time.
Tu scendi dalle stelle has seven verses. Its lyrics, however, are far from joyous, much less concerned with the joy of Baby Jesus’ birth than with the heart-rending sacrifice of his death to save mankind.
Tu scendi dalle stelle o Re del Cielo [You come down from the stars, Oh, King of Heavens] E vieni in una grotta al freddo al gelo. [And You come in a cave in the cold, in the frost] O Bambino mio Divino [Oh, my Divine Baby] Io ti vedo qui a tremar, [I see you trembling here] O Dio Beato! [Oh, Blessed God] Ah, quanto ti costò l'avermi amato. [Ah, how much it costs You, your loving me]
You can find the rest of the English translation here
A te che sei del mondo, il Creatore, Mancano panni e fuoco, o mio Signore. Caro eletto pargoletto, Quanto questa povertà Più mi innamora, Giacchè ti fece amor povero ancora.
Tu lasci il bel gioir del divin seno, per giunger a penar su poco fieno. Dolce amore del mio core, dove amore Ti trasportò? O Gesù mio, Perché tanto patir? Per amor mio!
Ma se fu Tuo volere il Tuo patire, Perché vuoi pianger poi, perché vagire? Mio Gesù, T'intendo sì! Ah, mio Signore! Tu piangi non per duol, ma per amore.
Tu piangi per vederti da me ingrato dove sì grande amor, sì poco amato! O diletto del mio petto, Se già un tempo fu così, or Te sol bramo. caro non pianger più, ch'io T'amo e T'amo.
Tu dormi, Ninno mio, ma intanto il core non dorme, no, ma veglia a tutte l'ore. Deh, mio bello e puro Agnello a che pensi? Dimmi tu. O amore immenso! "Un dì morir per Te", rispondi, "io penso".
Dunque a morire per me, Tu pensi, o Dio: e chi altro, fuor di Te, amar poss'io? O Maria, speranza mia, se poc'amo il Tuo Gesù, non Ti sdegnare. Amalo tu per me, s'io nol so amare!
Tu scendi dalle stelle - Coro dei Fiorentini
Tu scendi dalle stelle - Luciano Pavarotti
Tu scendi dalle stelle - Zampognari (bagpipers) on a street in Italy
Tu scendi dalle stelle - a more upbeat version by Coro Montepilar
Quanno nascette Nínno a Bettlemme - Piccolo Coro dell' Antoniano
Quanno nascette Nínno a Bettlemme - Beasley & Accordone
Noël Nouvelet is a traditional French Christmas and New Year's carol. The carol dates from the late 15th or early 16th century, and there are at least 13 verses available to sing. The word nouvelet has the same root as Noël, both stemming from the word for news and newness. The song was long ago translated into English as Sing We Now of Christmas, though the English lyrics (usually 5 verses) are somewhat different from the original French ones.
Some sources say it was a song celebrating the New Year. Others point out that the lyrics mainly speak of the news of the birth of the Christ Child in Bethlehem, the announcement by angels to the shepherds in the fields, looking forward to the visit of the Three Kings and the presentation of their gifts to the Holy Family. The carol also celebrates the figures in the crèche, the handmade nativity scenes found throughout France, where they are part of the Christmas celebration in homes and in town squares. And at the time it was written it was sung by families at home and at community gatherings, rather than as part of the liturgy in Roman Catholic churches. [thanks to the folks at ThoughtCo.com]
Noël nouvelet, Noël chantons ici, [New Christmas, Christmas we sing here] - literal English translation Dévotes gens, crions à Dieu merci! [Devout people, let us shout our thanks to God!
Chorus : Chantons Noël pour le Roi nouvelet! [Let us sing Christmas for the new King!] Chantons Noël pour le Roi nouvelet! Noël nouvelet, Noël chantons ici! [New Christmas, Christmas we sing here.
Quand je m’éveillai, et j’eus assez dormi, [When I awoke, and had enough sleep] Ouvris les yeux, vis un arbre fleuri, [Open your eyes, see a flowering tree] Dont il sortait un bouton vermeillet. [From which a ruddy button came out] Noël nouvelet, Noël chantons ici. [Christmas new, Christmas singing here]
D’un oyselet après le chant oui, [An angel after hearing the songs] Qui aux pasteurs disait: 'Partez d’ici [Said to the shepherds: “Leave here] En Bethléem trouvèrent l’agnelet [in Bethlehem you’ll find the little lamb] Noël nouvelet, Noël chantons ici. [Christmas new, Christmas singing here]
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Sing we now of Christmas, Noel, sing we here! Hear our grateful praises to the babe so dear.
Refrain: Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel! Sing we now of Christmas, sing we now Noel!
Angels called to shepherds, "Leave your flocks at rest, journey forth to Bethlehem, find the lambkin blest." [Refrain]
In Bethlehem they found him; Joseph and Mary mild, seated by the manger, watching the holy child. [Refrain]
From the eastern country came the kings afar, bearing gifts to Bethlehem guided by a star. [Refrain]
Gold and myrrh they took there, gifts of greatest price; there was ne'er a place on earth so like paradise. [Refrain]
Noël nouvelet - ANÚNA
Noël nouvelet - The King's Singers
Noël nouvelet - Apollo's Fire
And here's a baroque interpretation of Noël nouvelet by composer Edwin McLean
Day 11 - Lulajże, Jezuniu (Lullaby, Little Baby Jesus) [Poland]
Setting a more contemplative mood than yesterday's carols is the beautiful and well loved Polish carol Lulajże, Jezuniu (Lullaby, Little Baby Jesus/Sleep, Jesus). A traditional carol (author and composer unknown), this Koleda (Polish for "carol") is frequently sung in church at a special moment during midnight mass on Christmas Eve. The first written sources in which the words Lulajże, Jezuniu were found come from the beginning of the 18th century. It was first published in 1767 in Father Michał Marcin Mioduszewski's Kantyczki (Canticles) - hymns or chants, typically with a biblical text, forming a regular part of a church service. Later, in 1843, it was also included in Pastorals and Christmas Carols, songs for Christmas to be sung around the house. Lulajże, Jezuniu is a typical lullaby not only because of its delicate, romantic melody, but also because the text is full of maternal tenderness and caring. A pearl, a flower, a rose, an angel - these are just some of the caressing terms used to address the Child falling asleep in a manger. The carol - although devoid of biblical details and theological wisdom - conveys the extraordinary truth about Mary's love for her newborn Son and the beauty of her divine motherhood.
Lulajze, Jezuniu, moja perelko, Lulaj, ulubione me piescidelko. Lulajze, Jezuniu, lulajze, lulaj! A ty Go, Matulu, w placzu utulaj. Zamknijze znuzone placzem powieczki, Utulze zemdlone lkaniem usteczki. Lulajze, Jezuniu, lulajze lulaj! A ty Go, Matulu, w placzu utulaj.
Lulajze, piekniuchny nasz Anioleczku, Lulajze, wdzieczniuchny swiata Kwiateczku. Lulajze, Jezuniu, lulajze lulaj! A ty Go, Matulu, w placzu utulaj.
Lulajze, Rzyczko najozdobniejsza, Lulajze, Lilijko najprzyjemniejsza. Lulajze, Jezuniu, lulajze lulaj! A ty Go, Matulu, w placzu utulaj.
Lulajze, przyjemna oczom Gwiazdeczko, Lulaj, najsliczniejsze swiata Sloneczko. Lulajze, Jezuniu, lulajze lulaj! A ty Go, Matulu, w placzu utulaj.
Lullaby, little baby Jesus, my little pearl, Lull, my favorite little cuddley one.
Lullaby, little baby Jesus, lullaby, lull, And you, the mama, calm him down when crying.
Close your little eyelids, weary from weeping, Relax your little lips, tired from sobbing.
Lullaby, little baby Jesus, lullaby, lull, And you, the mama, calm him down when crying.
Lullaby, our most lovely little angel, Lullaby, the most enchanting little flower in the world.
Lullaby, little baby Jesus, lullaby, lull, And you, the mama, calm him down when crying.
Lullaby, the most gorgeous little rose, Lullaby, the most pleasant little lily.
Lullaby, little baby Jesus, lullaby, lull, And you, the mama, calm him down when crying.
Lullaby, lovely little star delighting our eyes, Lullaby, the most beautiful little sun in the world.
Lullaby, little baby Jesus, lullaby, lull, And you, the mama, calm him down when crying.
Hush, hush, hush, everyone get ready for bed, Don't wake up my little baby.
Lullaby, little baby Jesus, lullaby, lull, And you, the mama, calm him down when crying.
Lulajże, Jezuniu (Lullaby, Little Baby Jesus) - Skowronki Girls' Choir
Day 12 - Another year, another Holiday season, another Twelve Days of Christmas - Before and After! I hope you've made it through this chaotic year as best you could, and that you've been able to contemplate - and perhaps even DO - some of the familiar holiday activities that bring us all comfort and joy.
The first of our Twelve Days contains two carols - one from Germany, written by known poet and a known composer, and the second from Bohemia (part of the present day Czech Republic), a traditional carol with no known creator. And the funny part about it all, from my personal perspective, is that I thought they were the same carol! And they ARE very similar in sound and structure. Even their German names are very similar, at least from a non German-speaking American's point of view!
So let's delve into Ihr Kinderlein, kommet (O, Come, Little Children) and after that, Kommet, ihr Hirten (Come, Ye Shepherds).
First, Ihr Kinderlein, kommet (O, Come, Little Children). The poetic text was written around 1798 by Christoph von Schmid, with the title Die Kinder bei der Krippe (The Children at the Manger). The original poem had eight verses and it was published in 1811. Schmid then included it in his 1818 collection Blüten dem blühenden Alter gewidmet (Flowers dedicated to the flowering age). Together with other poems from this collection, it was set to music in 1837 by Franz Xaver Luft. However, the music which today is associated with Ihr Kinderlein, kommet was written by composer Johann Abraham Peter Schulz. It originally appeared in 1794 as a secular song named Wie reizend, wie wonnig (How charming, how pleasant). Around 1832, Schulz's melody was combined with Schmid's poem for the collection Sechzig deutsche Lieder für dreißig Pfennig (Sixty German Songs for Thirty Pennies). In addition to its popularity as a Christmas carol, the song has become known around the world as one of the first pieces that children learn when studying the violin using the Suzuki method.
Off we go . . .
Ihr Kinderlein, kommet, o kommet doch all! Zur Krippe her kommet in Bethlehems Stall und seht, was in dieser hochheiligen Nacht der Vater im Himmel für Freude uns macht! [the full German text is . . . here]
Oh, come, little children, oh, come, one and all, To Bethlehem's stable, in Bethlehem's stall. And see with rejoicing this glorious sight, Our Father in heaven has sent us this night.
Oh, see in the manger, in hallowèd light A star throws its beam on this holiest sight. In clean swaddling clothes lies the heavenly Child, More lovely than angels, this Baby so mild.
Oh, there lies the Christ Child, on hay and on straw; The shepherds are kneeling before Him with awe. And Mary and Joseph smile on Him with love, While angels are singing sweet songs from above.
English translation by Melanie Schulte (1885–1922)
Ihr Kinderlein, kommet - Dresdner Kreuzchor
Our second tune, Nesem vám noviny (in German: Kommet, ihr Hirten; in English: Come, Ye Shepherds) is a traditional Bohemian carol, later translated into German and eventually into English. The German text was written as a free translation from the Czech original by Carl Riedel and first published in 1870 under the title Die Engel und die Hirten (The Angels and the Shepherds). The English version, translated by Mari Ruef Hofer as Come, All Ye Shepherds, was published in 1912.
Nesem vám noviny, poslouchejte Z betlémské krajiny, pozor dejte Slyšte je pilně a neomylně Slyšte je pilně a neomylně Rozjímejte
Kommet, ihr Hirten, ihr Männer und Fraun, Kommet, das liebliche Kindlein zu schaun, Christus, der Herr, ist heute geboren, Den Gott zum Heiland euch hat erkoren. Fürchtet euch nicht!
Come now, ye shepherds, away from your fold, Come, the dear lovable Child to behold; Gaze with delight on Christ, the Anointed, By God as Savior for us appointed, Banish all fear!
Yea, let us witness in Bethlehem's stall What we have heard through the heavenly call; There, with glad voices, publish the story, Sing of the Savior's wonderful glory. Hallelujah!
Truly the angels are singing to-day Unto the shepherds this beautiful lay: Peace in its fullness to you is granted, Good will to mortals in all hearts planted. Glory to God!
Nesem vám noviny - Balthasar-Neumann-Chor
Nesem vám noviny - Church of the Holy Family
Both carols appear on YouTube in many different performances. I feel that both carols sound best at a more up-tempo speed. I hope these two lovely, catchy, and boisterous carols will lift our spirits and sweep us into the 2021 Holiday Season - Enjoy!
