Twelve Days (Before) Christmas

Day 7 - The Linden Tree Carol

The English Linden Tree Carol has its origin in the German hymn Es stot ein lind im himelrich, which first appeared in Loufenberg's Geistliche Lieder (around 1420). George R. Woodward prepared an English translation of it for The Cambridge Carol-Book (1924), with music harmonized by G.H. Palmer. We've found a performance of a German version with the group Hessen Vokal. (. . . sorry that the only German text we found doesn't match up with what they're singing!). Following that we have a number of fine performances of the Woodward/Palmer English language version. Enjoy!

Es steht ein Lind im Himmelreich, / There is a linden in the kingdom of heaven,
der blühen alle Äste / all the branches bloom
une Engel singen allzugleich, / and angels sing together
dass Jesus sei der Beste. / that Jesus is the best.

Es kam ein Bote klar und rein / A messenger bright and pure came
herab auf diese Erde, / down to the earth,
ging zur verschlossenen / went through the locked
Tur herein mit englischer Gebärde. / Door with an angelic demeanor.

Gegrüßet seist, Maria / Hail Mary
Du, die Krone aller Weiben, / You, the crown of all women,
Ein Kind wird Gott Dir schenken zu, / To you will God give a child,
und Du wirst Jungfrau bleiben. / and a Virgin will you remain.

Es steht ein Lind im Himmelreich - arr. by Uwe Henkhaus / Hessen Vokal

 

 

There stood in heav'n a linden tree;
But, tho' 'twas honey laden,
All Angels cried, 'No bloom shall be
Like that of one fair Maiden.'

Sped Gabriel on wingèd feet,
And pass'd through bolted portals
In Nazareth, a Maid to greet,
Blest o'er all other mortals.

'Hail Mary!' quod that Angel mild,
'Of woman-kind the fairest:
The Virgin ay shalt thou be styled,
A babe although thou bearest.'

'So be it!' God's hand-maiden cried,
'According to thy telling.'
Whereon the Angel smartly hied
Up home-ward to his dwelling.

This tiding fill'd his mates with glee:
'Twas pass'd from one to other,
That 'twas Marie, and none but she,
And God would call her Mother.

 The Linden Tree Carol - Choir Of St. John's College, Cambridge

The Linden Tree Carol - DR VokalEnsemblet