Day 10 - Noël Nouvelet [France]
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
Great!....love the first version
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