A note from composer Jonathan Dove: "Dorothy L. Sayers’ poem The Three Kings was suggested to me as a carol text by conductor Stephen Cleobury. Sayers achieves a surprising emotional power and mystery by portraying the youngest king, the nearest to childhood, as the saddest, bringing a gift of myrrh which anticipates Christ’s passion and death; it is the oldest king, nearest to the grave, who brings golden toys. I have tried to catch this surprise in the music: the first two verses are simple and ballad like, while the third verse suddenly opens up like a treasure chest of twinkling gold."
La Marche Des Rois Mages (The March of the Three Kings) has become a traditional 'chanson de France' and one of the most common Christmas carols in the repertoire of French-speaking choirs.
The precise origin of both the tune and the lyrics is uncertain and debated by scholars. The lyrics are regularly attributed to Joseph-François Domergue, whose name appears on the first manuscript copy of them, dated 1742 and preserved in the library of Avignon. That 1742 document suggested that the text be sung to the tune Marche de Turenne (March of Turenne). This mention corresponds to the established practice of placing "new" texts on known French songs spread by the printing press. Music for Marche de Turenne, however, has never been found (note thanks to Wikipedia). The tune that is now traditionally used for this carol originates from the 13th century in the Provençal region of France.
La Marche des Rois Mages is about the three Magi who came to pay homage to the Christ Child. The song describes a royal procession of Monarchs escorted by guards and pages, riding in their golden chariots, looking more like Angels than men. Following a star, these majestic Lords find the Manger where Jesus has been born. There, they offer gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, reverently offering their tender vows before the Son of God. (note thanks to Tradition in Action)
De bon matin, J’ai rencontré le train,
Early in the morning, I came across the procession,
De trois grands Rois qui allaient en voyage.
Of three great Kings going on a journey.
De bon matin, J’ai rencontré le train,
Early in the morning, I came across the procession,
De trois grands Rois dessus le grand chemin.
Of three great Kings on the great road.
Venaient d’abord, Les gardes du corps,
First there came, The troup of guards,
Des gens armés avec trente petits pages.
Armed men, with thirty little pages.
Venaient d’abord, Les gardes du corps,
First there came, The troup of guards,
Des gens armés dessus leurs justaucorps.
Men armored atop their doublets.
Puis sur un char, Doré de toutes parts,
Then, on a chariot, Gilded on all sides,
On voit trois Rois modestes comm’ des Anges.
One sees three Kings as modest as Angels.
Puis sur un char, Doré de toutes parts,
Then, on a chariot, Gilded on all sides,
Trois Rois debout parmi les étendards.
Three Kings standing amidst the standards.
L’étoile luit, Et les Rois conduit,
The star shines, And leads the Kings,
Par longs chemins devant une pauvre étable.
Through long roads before a poor stable.
L’étoile luit, Et les Rois conduit,
The star shines, And leads the Kings,
Par longs chemins devant l’humble réduit.
Through long roads before the humble nook.
Au Fils de Dieu, Qui naquit en ce lieu,
To the Son of God, Who was born in this place,
Ils viennent tous présenter leurs hommages.
They come to present their homages.
Au Fils de Dieu, Qui naquit en ce lieu,
To the Son of God, Who was born in this place,
Ils viennent tous présenter leurs doux vœux.
They come to present their tender wishes.
De beaux présents, Or, myrrhe et encens,
Exquisite presents, Gold, myrrh and incense,
Ils vont offrir au Maître tant admirable.
They go to offer to the most admirable Master.
De beaux présents, Or, myrrhe et encens,
Exquisite presents, Gold, myrrh and incense,
Ils vont offrir au Bienheureux Enfant.
They go to offer to the Blessed Child.
. . . for Engish versions suitable for singing, see here or here
La Marche Des Rois Mages - arr. by J.B. Lully
La Marche Des Rois Mages - arr. Joseph Noyon / Choeur Sursum Corda
The March of the Kings - Georges Bizet, choral adaption by Mack Wilberg / The Tabernacle Choir
This carol is also sometimes called The Gallery Carol because it belongs to the tradition associated with the choirs and bands sited in the west galleries of churches before the advent of organs in the mid-19th century. This particular carol was discovered in the early 20th century in an old Dorset west-gallery songbook and included in the English Carol Book of 1919. The original songbook has been lost but the original carol probably dates back to the early or mid-18th century. (note thanks to Hymns and Carols of Christmas)
Rejoice and be merry
in songs and in mirth!
O praise our Redeemer;
all mortals on earth!
For this is the birthday
of Jesus our King,
Who brought us salvation,
His praises we'll sing!
A heavenly vision
Appeared in the sky;
Vast numbers of angels
The shepherds did spy,
Proclaiming the birthday of
Jesus our King,
Who brought us salvation,
His praises we'll sing!
Likewise a bright star
In the sky did appear,
Which led the wise men
From the East to draw near;
They found the Messiah,
Sweet Jesus our King,
Who brought us salvation,
His praises we'll sing!
And when they were come,
they their treasures unfold,
And unto him offered
Myrrh, incense and gold.
So blessed for ever
Be Jesus our King,
Who brought us salvation,
His praises we'll sing!
Rejoice and Be Merry - New Saint Andrews College
Rejoice and Be Merry - QuintEssentially Brass (Brass Quintet)
Peter Cornelius (1824-1874) was a German composer, writer about music, poet and translator. His Weihnachtslieder (Christmas Songs), op. 8 (1856-1870), is a cycle of six songs on Christmas themes with texts written by Cornelius himself. The third song in this song cycle, Die Könige (The Kings ; also translated as Three Kings from Persian lands afar), is about the biblical magi, and it incorporates in the piano accompaniment a hymn by Philipp Nicolai (1556-1608), Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern (How beautifully the morning star shines).
Die Könige (Three Kings) (English translation by H.N. Bate)
Drei Könige wandern aus Morgenland;
Three kings from Persian lands afar
Ein Sternlein führt sie zum Jordanstrand.
to Jordan follow the pointing star:
In Juda fragen und forschen die drei,
And this the quest of the travellers three,
Wo der neugeborene König sei?
where the new-born King of the Jews may be.
Sie wollen Weihrauch, Myrrhen und Gold
Full royal gifts they bear for the King:
Dem Kinde spenden zum Opfersold.
Gold, incense, myrrh are their offering.
Und hell erglänzet des Sternes Schein:
The star shines out with steadfast ray;
Zum Stalle gehen die Kön’ge ein;
the kings to Bethlehem make their way,
Das Knäblein schaun sie wonniglich,
and there in worship they bend the knee,
Anbetend neigen die Könige sich;
as Mary's child in her lap they see;
Sie bringen Weihrauch, Myrrhen und Gold
their royal gifts they show to the King:
Zum Opfer dar dem Knäblein hold.
Gold, incense, myrrh are their offering.
O Menschenkind! halte treulich Schritt!
Thou child of man, lo, to Bethlehem
Die Kön’ge wandern, o wandre mit!
the kings are trav'ling, travel with them!
Der Stern der Liebe, der Gnade Stern
The star of mercy, the star of grace,
Erhelle dein Ziel, so du suchst den Herrn,
shall lead thy heart to its resting place.
Und fehlen Weihrauch, Myrrhen und Gold,
Gold, incense, myrrh thou canst not bring:
Schenke dein Herz dem Knäblein hold!
Offer thy heart to the infant King, offer thy heart!
Die Könige (Three Kings) - TENET Vocal Artists
Die Könige - VOCES8 & Apollo5
Composer Christoph Graupner wrote this work based on Philipp Nicolai's Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern (How beautifully the morning star shines)
Joseph M. Martin: How Brightly Shines the Morning Star - Bach Choir of Pittsburgh
Day 3 - Gevaert: Sommeil de l' enfant Jesus (Sleep of the Infant Jesus) (1900)
Though during his lifetime composer François-Auguste Gevaert (1828-1908) enjoyed considerable success in his native Belgium (including performances of no fewer than a dozen operas), his music is now mostly forgotten, save for some choral pieces. Today, he is mostly remembered, even in his native land, more as a teacher, historian, and lecturer than as a composer.
Over more than twenty years (1886-1908) Gevaert published ten collections of choral works, based on latin and french hymns, popular and religious texts, and 17th and 18th century melodies and noëls. In Le sommeil de l'enfant Jésus (Sleep of the Infant Jesus) Gevaert crafts a gentle lullaby, based on a folk melody that dates from sometime before 1800. This beautiful French carol is simple, short, and sweet, yet profound in its contemplation of what it was like to behold the Christ Child in the manger.
Entre le bœuf et l'âne gris,
Here, midst the ox and ass so mild,
Dors, dors, dors le petit fils:
Sleeps, sleeps, sleeps the little child.
Mille anges divins, mille séraphins,
Countless cherubim, shining seraphim,
Volent à l'entour de ce grand Dieu d'amour.
Watching all around the little king of love.
Entre les deux bras de Marie,
Here in his mother’s arms, the son,
Dors, dors, dors le fruit de vie:
Sleeps, sleeps, darling little one:
Mille anges divins, mille séraphins,
Countless cherubim, shining seraphim,
Volent à l'entour de ce grand Dieu d'amour.
Watching all around the little king of love.
Entre les pastoureaux jolis,
Here where the shepherds kneel in joy,
Dors, dors, dors le petit fils:
Sleep, sleep, sleep oh little boy.
Mille anges divins, mille séraphins,
Countless cherubim, shining seraphim,
Volent à l'entour de ce grand Dieu d'amour.
Watching all around the little king of love.
Sommeil de l' enfant Jesus (Sleep of the Infant Jesus) - Ensemble vocal Le Petit Sablon
Sleep of the Infant Jesus - Peninsula Girls Choir
Sleep of the Infant Jesus - The National Lutheran Choir
Day 2 - A Christmas Carol (Christ-child lay on Mary's lap)
Today's carols are settings of a poem by G.K. Chesterton. So . . . a little background on G.K. Chesterton by Mike Piff of the University of Sheffield:
G.K. Chesterton was born in London, England in 1874. Though he considered himself a mere "rollicking journalist," he was actually a prolific and gifted writer in virtually every area of literature (he published 69 books during his lifetime). A man of strong opinions and enormously talented at defending them, his exuberant personality nevertheless allowed him to maintain warm friendships with people such as George Bernard Shaw and H. G. Wells, with whom he vehemently disagreed. His poetry runs the gamut from the comic, to dark and serious. His poem A Christmas Carol was published in the collection The Wild Knight and Other Poems (1900).
Chesterton's A Christmas Carol (like the poem Away in a Manger), has inspired numerous composers to set its simple, yet profound, words. In true Chesterton fashion, A Christmas Carol invites us to contemplate the Incarnation of Mary with the simplicity and awe of a child, without neglecting the depth of the mystery. (additional notes thanks to the Chesterton Academy)
A Christmas Carol
The Christ-child lay on Mary’s lap,
His hair was like a light.
(O weary, weary were the world,
But here is all aright.)
The Christ-child lay on Mary’s breast,
His hair was like a star.
(O stern and cunning are the kings,
But here the true hearts are.)
The Christ-child lay on Mary’s heart,
His hair was like a fire.
(O weary, weary is the world,
But here the world’s desire.)
The Christ-child stood on Mary’s knee,
His hair was like a crown,
And all the flowers looked up at Him,
And all the stars looked down.
Today's music is very different from any other that we've featured to date. Each version is a different musical setting, by a different composer; each a different inspiration, a unique vision of Chesterton's beautiful words.
The Christ-child lay on Mary's lap - Mark Nowakowski / Vos Omnes Virtual Choir
The Christ-child lay on Mary's lap - Colin Mawby / Chamber Choir of Ireland
The Christ-child lay on Mary's lap - John Bradley / Musica Sacra
The Christ-child lay on Mary's lap - Kenneth Leighton / USU Chamber Singers
Christmas Day - William Byrd: This Day Christ Was Born (1611)
From conductor Harry Christophers: "I first encountered the music of William Byrd when I was a chorister at Canterbury Cathedral. One piece stuck in my memory, his rarely performed Christmas anthem This Day Christ Was Born. I loved it! Little did I know that 60 years later I would find out that it came from his last publication Psalmes, Songs, and Sonnets (1611). We recorded it (with the choral ensemble The Sixteen) during the Covid years – for me, one of the few good things to come out of that dire time. Byrd’s music is extraordinary – often incredibly complex, always inventive and emotionally challenging."
This day Christ was born,
This day our Saviour did appear,
This day the Angels sing in earth,
The Archangels are glad;
This day the just rejoice, saying,
Glory be to God on high.
Allelujah!
William Byrd: This Day Christ Was Born - The Sixteen & Harry Christophers
I Saw Three Ships
This English Christmas Day carol is so simple that it lends itself to additional lyrics and, at times, an added chorus tune (which we'll see in some of our performances below).
The earliest printed version of I Saw Three Ships is from the 17th century, possibly Derbyshire. It was also published by William Sandys in his 1833 Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern. The song was probably traditionally known as As I Sat On a Sunny Bank, and was particularly popular in Cornwall.
The lyrics mention the ships sailing into Bethlehem, but the nearest body of water is the Dead Sea about 20 miles (32 km) away! The reference to three ships is thought to originate in the three ships that bore the purported relics of the Biblical magi to Cologne Cathedral in the 12th century. Another possible reference is to Wenceslaus II, King of Bohemia, who bore a coat of arms "Azure three galleys argent".
Another suggestion is that the ships are actually the camels used by the Magi, as camels are frequently referred to as "ships of the desert". And, over the passage of time, as the text moved from village to village, and from country to country, the song acquired numerous different variations in texts and tunes. (note thanks to Hymns and Carols of Christmas)
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas day, on Christmas day;
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas day in the morning.
And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day?
And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas day in the morning?
Our Saviour Christ and his lady,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day;
Our Saviour Christ and his lady,
On Christmas day in the morning.
Pray whither sailed those ships all three,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day?
Pray whither sailed those ships all three,
On Christmas day in the morning?
O they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day;
O they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas day in the morning.
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day;
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas day in the morning.
And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day;
And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,
On Christmas day in the morning.
And all the Souls on Earth shall sing,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day;
And all the Souls on Earth shall sing,
On Christmas day in the morning.
Then let us all rejoice amain,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day;
Then let us all rejoice amain,
On Christmas day in the morning.
I Saw Three Ships - King's College Cambridge (arr. Philip Ledger)
I Saw Three Ships - Blackmore's Night
I Saw Three Ships - Fisherman's Friends, with new lyrics and an added "tag" to boot!
I Saw Three Ships - in a wonderful modern arrangement by Manuel Grunden
Day 1 - Christ est né ce soir (Christ Is Born Tonight)
Musings from Bishop Philippe Christory (Chartres, France): "Tonight is Christmas Eve. When we were children, our parents woke us up around 11pm, still drowsy with sleep, to walk through the snow to go to midnight mass. We still had to wait until Christmas morning to open our packages. The night was short and feverish, waiting to know if our parents had understood our desires and what surprises they had prepared. Tonight, we will celebrate again in the night, even if many families, with small children, will choose a mass in the earlier evening. I remember the beautiful living nativity scenes, with many children in costumes, who were delighted by their role during the vigil preceding the giving of the Eucharist. Like the shepherds amazed by the newborn child, they came amazed to see the holy family played by a young couple whose child had just been born a few weeks before."
Le Christ est né ce soir de la vierge Marie
Christ was born tonight of the virgin Mary
Sous le ciel étoilé hors de l’hôtellerie.
Under the starry sky outside the inn.
Et, déjà rédempteur en descendant du ciel,
And, already a redeemer descending from heaven,
Il a de son berceau fait son premier autel.
He made his first altar from his cradle.
Ce soir comme un écho du fond de Palestine,
Tonight like an echo from the depths of Palestine,
De vallon en vallon, de colline en colline,
From valley to valley, from hill to hill,
Les cloches se sont dit l’angélique Noël,
The bells said the angelic Christmas,
Aux hommes paix sur terre et gloire au Dieu du ciel!
To all peace on earth and glory to the God of heaven!
Avec les pastoureaux, loin du monde coupable,
With the shepherds, far from the guilty world,
Ah ! Venez à genoux au seuil de cette étable.
Ah! Come on your knees at the threshold of this stable.
Jésus notre Sauveur attend comme autrefois,
Jesus our Savior awaits as before,
L’hommage de vos cœurs : Il est le Roi des rois!
The homage of your hearts: He is the King of kings!
Christ est né ce soir - Ensemble Choral de La Roche-Bernard
Christ est né ce soir - Rémi Chapalain, meditation for organ
. . . see also a performance by this work's dedicatee Clara Park . . .
As we get nearer to Christmas Day, we'll turn to a carol whose German lyrics date back over 700 years! According to John Mason Neale, the famous 19th century English Anglican priest, scholar, and hymnwriter, the church hymn Dies est lætitiæ (It is a day of joy) dates from "the 13th or 14th century. A great favourite all over Europe, [and] Germany and Holland had ancient translations. It is perhaps scarcely worth mentioning that Luther believed it inspired." An English translation, Royal Day That Chasest Gloom, made by Neale, appeared in Carols for Christmas-tide (1853). In that same collection Thomas Helmore set the text to music, using a melody from the famous 1582 music collection Piae Cantiones, with additional melodic material from Koler's Ruefbuechl (1601), with a harmonization by the Rev. G. R. Woodward.
Royal Day that chasest gloom,
Day by gladness speeded:
Thou beheld'st from Mary's womb
How the King proceeded:
Very God, Who made the sky,
Set the sun and stars on high,
Heav'n and earth sustaining:
Very man, Who freely bare,
Toil and sorrow, woe and care,
Man's salvation gaining.
As the sun-beam through the glass
Passeth, but not staineth;
Thus the Virgin, as she was,
Virgin still remaineth;
Blessed Mother! in whose womb
Lay the Light that exiles gloom,
God to earth descending:
Blessed Main! whose spotless breast
Gives the King of Glory rest,
Nurture, warmth, and tending.
Christ, Who mad'st us out of dust,
Breath and spirit giving:
Christ, from Whose dear steps we must
Pattern take of living:
Christ, Who camest once to save
From the curse and from the grave,
Healing, light'ning, cheering:
Christ, Who now wast made as we,
Grand that we may be like Thee
In Thy next appearing.
And it is here that we've run into a unique problem, the first time in four years . . . there is no good choice of YouTube videos to present this day's carol! We'll have to go with a couple of instrumental versions, and a performance of the original latin text with music that closely resembles Neale & Helmore's 19th century carol, by the Hungarian early music group Juvenalis.
Royal Day That Chasest Gloom - Luke Wahl (piano)
Royal Day that Chasest Gloom - presented on the website HymnTime (you'll have to hit the play button on the embedded audio player)
Day 3 - Up on the Housetop & Jolly Old St. Nicholas
We're combining two very popular Christmas songs today due to the fact that their origins (or mistaken origins) are somewhat entwined, and they were written in America in successive years in the 1860's!
Up on the Housetop was written in 1864 by Benjamin Hanby (1833-1867). According to William Studwell in The Christmas Carol Reader, Up on the Housetop is the second-oldest secular Christmas song, outdone only by James Lord Pierpont's Jingle Bells (published in 1857). It is also considered the first Yuletide song to focus primarily on Santa Claus. It was originally published by Root & Cady in the magazine Our Song Birds. According to Reader's Digest Merry Christmas Song Book, Hanby probably owes the idea that Santa and his sleigh land on the roofs of homes to Clement C. Moore and his 1822 poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas (also commonly known as The Night Before Christmas). Up on the Housetop has been recorded by a multitude of singers, most notably Gene Autry in 1953.
1. Up on the housetop reindeer pause,
Out jumps good old Santa Claus.
Down thru the chimney with lots of toys,
All for the little ones, Christmas joys.
Chorus
Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go.
Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go!
Up on the housetop, click, click, click.
Down thru the chimney with good Saint Nick.
2. First comes the stocking of little Nell;
Oh, dear Santa, fill it well;
Give her a dolly that laughs and cries,
One that will open and shut her eyes. Chorus
3. Next comes the stocking of little Will
Oh, just see what a glorious fill
Here is a hammer, And lots of tacks
Also a ball, And a whip that cracks. Chorus
Up On The House Top - Gene Autry (1953)
Up on the House Top - (arr. Tony Guerrero & Tim Davis) Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery, Tim Davis
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas originated with a poem entitled Lilly's Secret by Emily Huntington Miller (1833-1913), which was published in the December 1865 issue of The Little Corporal Magazine. Miller was an associate editor of the magazine, and would later become editor-in-chief. This magazine eventually merged with the St. Nicholas Magazine in 1875. At points in the song's history the lyrics have been misattributed to both John Piersol McCaskey, and to Benjamin Hanby, who wrote our first song Up on the Housetop. The music to Jolly Old Saint Nicholas is generally believed to have been written by James R. Murray (who also wrote the music to the American version of Away in a Manger). The first publication of Jolly Old Saint Nicholas with Murray's music was in School Chimes (1874, pub. by S. Brainard's Sons). An 1881 publication also gives attribution to the "S. Brainard's Sons publication", namely . . . James R. Murray. The song has gone on to become a perennial Christmas classic.
1. Jolly old St. Nicholas, Lean your ear this way!
Don’t you tell a single soul, What I’m going to say;
Christmas Eve is coming soon; Now, you dear old man,
Whisper what you’ll bring to me; Tell me if you can.
2. When the clock is striking twelve, When I'm fast asleep,
Down the chimney, broad and black, With your pack you'll creep;
All the stockings you will find Hanging in a row;
Mine will be the shortest one, You'll be sure to know.
3. Johnny wants a pair of skates, Susy wants a dolly;
Nellie wants a story book; She thinks dolls are folly;
As for me, my little brain Isn’t very bright;
Choose for me, old Santa Claus, What you think is right.
Jolly Old St. Nicholas - Maurice Chevalier
Jolly Old St. Nicholas - (arr. Arthur Frackenpohl) Canadian Brass
Jolly Old St. Nicholas - Anna (age 8) & Collin (age 6)
Day 4 - Los peces en el río (The fish in the river)
One of the most popular Christmas carols written in Spanish is Los peces en el río, although it is little known outside of Spain and Latin America. It draws a contrast between the fishes in the river, who are excited about the birth of the baby Jesus, and the Virgin Mary, who goes about doing the chores of daily life.
According to the Valencian news site Las Provincias, both the author and composer of Los peces en el río, and even the date of when it was written, are unknown. The song gained popularity in the second half of the 20th century, and the structure and tonality of the song show Arabic influence. The carol isn't standardized - some versions include several more verses, and some of them vary slightly in the words used. (note thanks to thoughtco.com)
With that said . . . here are four very different versions of Los peces en el río: one for solo voice, one in a more classical mode, one pure Mexican, and the last with a South American groove. Enjoy!
Los peces en el río
The fish in the river
La Virgen se está peinando
The Virgin is combing her hair
entre cortina y cortina.
between curtains.
Los cabellos son de oro
Her hair is made of gold
y el peine de plata fina.
and her comb is made of fine silver.
Chorus
Pero mira cómo beben
But look how the fish drink
los peces en el río.
in the river.
Pero mira cómo beben
But look how they drink
por ver a Dios nacido.
to see God born.
Beben y beben
They drink and drink
y vuelven a beber.
and drink again.
Los peces en el río
The fish in the river
por ver a Dios nacer.
to see God born.
La Virgen lava pañales
The Virgin washes diapers
y los tiende en el romero,
and spreads them out on the rosemary,
los pajarillos cantando,
the little birds singing,
y el romero floreciendo. Chorus
and the rosemary flowering.
La Virgen se está lavando
The Virgin is washing herself
con un poco de jabón.
with a little soap.
Se le han picado las manos,
Her hands are itchy,
manos de mi corazón. Chorus
the hands of my heart.
Los peces en el río - Carmen Goett
Los peces en el río - (arr. C. Criado) Orquesta Sinfónica y Coro JMJ
Los peces en el río - Gipsy Kings
Los peces en el río - (arr. Nita Sinaga) Angel City Chorale
Day 5 - Good Morning Blues (I Want to See Santa Claus)
Christmas music can surely evoke a certain mood or memory. This is no different today than it was for people in the 1930s. The Etude Magazine in December 1931 described the reactions of people on the street as they played holiday recordings each year outside their headquarters: "Over and over again we have seen passers-by listening with tears in their eyes. There is something about this simple, heartfelt music, which carries us back to those precious, vanished moments in the homes of our youth, bringing to our minds the faces and caresses of those dear to us [. . .] resurrected in the holy land of Christmas memories by the miraculous music of Christmas." (thanks to Vintage Stardust!)
Jazz icon Count Basie was born William James Basie on 21 August 1904 in Red Bank, New Jersey. Count Basie is considered one of the greatest bandleaders of all times. He was the arbiter of the big-band swing sound and his unique style of fusing blues and jazz established swing as a predominant music style. Basie changed the jazz landscape and shaped mid-20th century popular music, duly earning the title King of Swing because he made the world want to dance! (note thanks to Rutgers University)
Good Morning Blues (I Want to See Santa Claus) (1937) - Count Basie Orchestra (vocal, Jimmy Rushing; written by William Count Basie, Eddie Durham, James Rushing)
Pinky Tomlin (1907-1987) was an American singer, songwriter, bandleader, and actor of the 1930s and 1940s. In addition to performing in occasional motion pictures, he wrote and published 22 songs, several of which were in the top ten on the Hit Parade. Tomlin came to national attention in the 1930s due to a song he had written while attending the University of Oklahoma, one he composed for a student at the school, Joanne Alcorn, whom he would later marry. The Object of My Affection (see him singing it on Groucho Marx's You Bet Your Life) became a number-one hit late that year for Grier's Coconut Grove Orchestra, featuring Pinky Tomlin on vocals. Here's Tomlin's one Christmas themed song . . .
I Told Santa Claus to Bring Me You (1937) - Bernie Cummins Orchestra (vocals, Jimmy Ray; written by Pinky Tomlin)
The carol People, Look East was written by Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965), and first published as Carol of Advent in Modern Texts Written for or Adapted to Traditional Tunes, in The Oxford Book of Carols (1928). Farjeon, a native of London, was a devout Catholic who viewed her faith as "a progression toward which her spiritual life moved rather than a conversion experience." She achieved acclaim as an author of children's nursery rhymes and singing games, and is best remembered for her poem Morning Has Broken. The tune to which People, Look East is sung, is the ancient carol Besançon (name after the city in eastern France), which first appeared in Christmas Carols New and Old (1871). In that collection it was the setting for Shepherds, Shake Off Your Drowsy Sleep, and the tune was titled Chantons bargiés, noué, noué.
1. People, look east. The time is near
Of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able,
Trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the guest, is on the way.
2. Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare,
One more seed is planted there:
Give up your strength the seed to nourish,
That in course the flower may flourish.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the rose, is on the way.
3. Birds, though you long have ceased to build,
Guard the nest that must be filled.
Even the hour when wings are frozen
God for fledging time has chosen.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the bird, is on the way.
4. Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim
One more light the bowl shall brim,
Shining beyond the frosty weather,
Bright as sun and moon together.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the star, is on the way.
5. Angels, announce with shouts of mirth
[or . . . Angels announce to man and beast]
Christ who brings new life to earth.
[. . . Him who cometh from the East]
Set every peak and valley humming
With the word, the Lord is coming.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the Lord, is on the way.
People, Look East - Atlanta Master Chorale (arr. by Malcom Archer)
People, Look East - Houston Chamber Choir (arr. Barry Ferguson)
People, Look East - Boy Choristers of Ely Cathedral Choir (arr. Paul Trepte) - a modern version
In six verses, Nuit Sombre, Ton Ombre (Dark Night, Your Shadow), a noël from the Lorraine region of France, traces the entire history and mystery of Christmas. The first verse manifests the grandeur of this sacred night when the Incarnate Word sees the light of day; the second underlines the destitution of his birth which already makes him suffer and cry, he the Almighty, for us, poor sinners; from the third to the fifth are recalled in turn the concerts of the angels glorifying God, the visit of the shepherds whose simplicity and poverty so pleased the Child-God and that of the Magi bringing him their gifts from so far away; finally the last verse invites us ourselves to come and contemplate him and offer him a living faith and an ardent love. (notes from here - Thank you!)
1. Nuit sombre, ton ombre
Dark night, your shadow
Vaut les plus beaux jours!
Is worth the most beautiful days!
Des Anges sans nombre
Angels without number
Honorent ton cours:
Honor your course:
O divin mystère,
O divine mystery,
Le Verbe est enfant!
The Word is a child!
Chorus
Non, rien n'est si grand
No, nothing is so great
Par toute la terre,
Throughout the earth,
Non, rien n'est si grand
No, nothing is so great
Que Jésus naissant!
As Jesus born!
2. Il pleure dès l'heure
He weeps from the hour
Qu'il a vu le jour!
That he saw the light of day!
Mais dans la demeure
But in the dwelling
De son saint amour,
Of his holy love,
Toute âme révère
Every soul reveres
Son nom tout-puissant.
His almighty name.
3. Archanges, saints Anges,
Archangels, holy Angels,
Chœurs mélodieux,
Mellowish choirs,
Donnez vos louanges,
Give your praises,
Vos concerts joyeux,
Your joyful concerts,
Au Dieu, notre frère,
To God, our brother,
Qui du ciel descend!
Who descends from heaven!
4. Laissez vos houlettes,
Leave your shepherds' crooks,
Laissez vos troupeaux;
Leave your flocks;
Jésus à ces fêtes
Jesus at these feasts
Vous veut, pastoureaux;
Wants you, shepherds;
Votre âme a su plaire
Your soul has known how to please
Au divin Enfant.
The divine Child.
5. Quittez vos rivages,
Leave your shores,
Quittez l'orient;
Leave the east;
Venez, ô rois mages,
Come, oh Magi,
Jésus vous attend:
Jesus awaits you:
Au Dieu de lumière,
To the God of light,
Portez vos présents.
Bring your gifts.
6. Et nous à la crèche,
And we at the manger,
Joyeux, accourons!
Joyfully, let us run!
Au Dieu qui nous prêche
To the God who preaches to us
L'amour de ses dons,
The love of his gifts,
Offrons foi sincère,
Let us offer sincere faith,
Cœur reconnaissant.
Grateful hearts.
Nuit Sombre, Ton Ombre - Les Petits Chanteurs de Saint-Francois de Versailles
Nuit Sombre, Ton Ombre
Alexandre Guilmant: Offertoire sur le Noël 'Nuit sombre, ton ombre'
There has long been some confusion about the origin of Away in a Manger. The first known printing of the song was in the periodical The Myrtle (Universalist Publishing House, Boston) on May 3, 1884. No author was given for the two verses printed, nor was any music included, although it was suggested that the song be sung to the tune Home! Sweet Home! A year later, in 1885, the song appeared in Little Children's Book for Schools and Families (pub. in Philadelphia), this time with music included (J. E. Clark's 'St. Kilda'). Again, we have the first two verses, and no identification of the author. Then in 1887, Away in a Manger was reprinted by James R. Murray in Dainty Songs for Little Lads and Lasses (pub. in New York), with music (the tune 'Mueller') probably by Murray himself. The song also appears with the subtitle Luther's Cradle Hymn, and for many years it was thought to have been the first publication of Away in a Manger. Murray wrote that the song was written by the German reformer Rev. Martin Luther (1483-1546); however, this is not correct. That attribution of authorship appears to have been made a few years after the 400th anniversary of Rev. Luther's birth, and as a tribute to him. To be clear, Luther did not write this song; it appears nowhere in his extensive works.
The musical setting most popular in Great Britain is by William J. Kirkpatrick, which he published in Around the World with Christmas (1895). If the number of musical settings is any judge of popularity, then Away in a Manger must be considered one of the most popular of all Christmas carols. This lullaby was the source of a fascinating article called Not So Far Away In A Manger: Forty One Settings of an America Carol by Richard S. Hill (pub. in Music Library Association's Notes, December, 1945). Mr. Hill gives a thorough analysis of the background of the carol, as known in 1945, including laying to rest any claim that Luther wrote the song. He lists the 41 musical settings that he was aware of, and discusses in some depth the four most popular settings. (this note is derived from Hymns and Carols of Christmas - Thank you!)
1. Away in a manger, no crib for His bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head;
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep in the hay.
2. The cattle are lowing, the poor Baby wakes.
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky.
And stay by the cradle till morning is nigh.
3. Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay,
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray!
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care
And take us to heaven, to Live with Thee there.
MURRAY VERSION
Away in a Manger - Home Free
Away in a Manger - Nat King Cole
KIRK VERSION
Away in a Manger - Bleasby Primary School
Away in a Manger - Kings College Choir (arr. Stephen Cleobury)
BOTH VERSIONS COMBINED
Away in a Manger - Classical Guitar Corner
Away in a Manger - setting by Lucy Walker / The Chapel Choir of Pembroke College, Cambridge
The origin of today's carol - Ding Dong Merrily on High - dates back over 400 years ago. The tune, Branle de L'Official, was found in the 1588 work Orchesographie, a 16th-century study of French dance forms by Thoinot Arbeau (the anagrammatic pen name of French cleric Jehan Tabourot). This study provides information on social ballroom behavior and on the interaction of musicians and dancers, while also containing numerous woodcuts of dancers and musicians, and detailed instructions for the various dances. It is considered perhaps the most valuable book on 16th century dance. Branle de L'Official was considered primarily a dance for the common people, although it did become somewhat popular among the nobility. This tune, used for Ding Dong Merrily on High, is virtually unchanged from its 1588 original. Lyrics were added to this dance tune by George Ratcliffe Woodward, and the carol was first published, with a harmonization by Charles Wood, in The Cambridge Carol-Book: Being Fifty-two Songs for Christmas, Easter, And Other Seasons (1910).
1. Ding dong merrily on high,
In heav'n the bells are ringing:
Ding dong verily the sky
Is riv'n with angel singing.
Chorus
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
2. E'en so here below, below,
Let steeple bells be swungen,
And "Io, io, io!"
By priest and people sungen. Chorus
3. Pray you, dutifully prime
Your matin chime, ye ringers;
May you beautifully rime
Your evetime song, ye singers. Chorus
Ding Dong Merrily on High - The Mercer Singers
Ding Dong Merrily on High - Kings College Choir (arr. Mack Wilberg) . . . a classic
Ding Dong Merrily on High - arr. Manuel Grunden, Pop-Up Detmold / a freshly inventive modern version
Ernest Myrand, in his Noëls anciens de la Nouvelle-France (1899), gives us some background on today's carol, Dans cette étable (In this stable):
"I finally found, in an old collection that I've leafed through so many times during my current studies, a Christmas carol that we still sing today, as our pious ancestors themselves once sang: Dans cette étable. Charles Gounod - the great author of the opera Faust - published in London in 1859, a Christmas carol in English - Bethlehem / Dans cette étable - with organ interludes of the most beautiful effect. The melody is exactly the same as the carol; only, it is written in six-eight time, while our Canadian version is sung in four-four time. It is only as an artistic curiosity that this modification of the meter deserves to be noted. Originally, that is to say in 1750, at the time when this music was published for the first time, Dans cette étable was sung in two beats (two-four time), a somewhat down-to-earth time, very common in popular song. Later, we find the same melody written in six-eight, a barcarolle time; this is the time adopted by Gounod. And finally, Mr. Ernest Gagnon, writing it under the dictation of the voice of the people of our French-Canadian countryside, fixed it in four beats, a more serious time and decidedly more in keeping with the elevated meaning of the words. This will probably be the definitive time of this melody and this rhythm will prevail."
Dans cette étable,
In this stable,
Que Jésus est charmant!
How delightful Jesus is!
Qu'il est aimable,
How He is pleasant,
Dans son abaissement!
In His abasement!
Que d'attraits à la foi!
How it calls to faith!
Tous les palais des rois
All the palaces of kings
N'ont rien de comparable
Have nothing comparable
Aux beautés que je vois
To the beauty I see
Dans cette étable.
In this stable.
Que sa puissance
How His power
Paraît bien en ce jour,
Is seen on this day,
Malgré l'enfance
Despite the infancy
Où le réduit l'amour!
To which love has reduced Him!
Le monde racheté,
The world redeemed
Et tout l'enfer dompté,
And all of hell subdued
Font voir qu'à sa naissance
Show that at His birth
Rien n'est si redouté
Nothing is so feared
Que sa puissance.
As His power.
Touchant mystère!
A touching mystery!
Jésus, souffrant pour nous,
Jesus, suffering for us
D'un Dieu sévère
-From a harsh God-
Apaise le courroux.
Appeases the wrath.
Du testament nouveau
In the New Testament
Il est le doux agneau;
He is the sweet lamb;
Il doit sauver la terre
He must save the world,
Portant notre fardeau:
Doit céder désormais,
Touchant mystère.
A touching mystery.
S'il est sensible,
If he is sensitive,
Ce n'est qu'à nos malheurs,
It is only for our misfortunes,
Le froid pénible
The painful cold
Ne cause point ses pleurs.
Doesn't cause his tears.
Mon cœur à tant d'attraits,
My heart- to such appeals,
À de si doux bienfaits,
To such sweet deeds,
À ce charme invincible
To this invincible charm
Doit céder désormais,
Must give in from now on,
S'il est sensible.
If it is sensitive.
Ah! Je vous aime,
Oh! I love you,
Vous vous cachez en vain,
You hide yourself in vain
Beauté suprême
Supreme beauty,
Jésus, Enfant divin!
Jesus, Holy Child!
Vous êtes à mes yeux
You are to my eyes
Le puissant Roi des cieux,
The powerful King of Heaven,
Le Fils de Dieu lui-même
The Son of God Himself
Descendu dans ces lieux:
Come down to this place...
Ah! Je vous aime.
Oh! I love you.
Dans cette étable - Helene Baillargeon . . . our most folk-like version
Dans cette étable - Les Prêtres
Dans cette étable - Paulyn Lacroix (guitar)
Dans cette étable - Johanne Blouin (in a very upbeat, baroque arrangement!)
The First Noel (or Nowell, or Noël) is one of the most well known and popular of English language carols, with very likely Cornish origins. A tracing of its initial publishing history is given by William Henry Husk in his 1868 carol collection Songs of the Nativity: "This is a well-known, although it cannot be styled popular, carol, since although it is included in every collection of carols, it is not found in any broadside that has fallen under [our] notice. It probably first appeared in Davies Gilbert's collection of Carols sung in the West of England (1823). Then next in Mr. Sandys' 1833 collection, where it is also given as a West-country carol, "for Christmas day in the morning." Mr. Sandys observes, in reference to the number of shepherds, that "according to some legends the number was four — called Misael, Achael, Cyriacus, and Stephanus, and these, with the names of the three kings, were used as a charm to cure the biting of serpents and other venomous reptiles and beasts." Noel!
1. The first Nowell the Angel did say Was to three poor Shepherds in fields as they lay. In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, In a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Chorus Nowell, nowell, nowell, nowell. Born is the King of Israel.
2. They looked up and saw a star Shining in the East, beyond them far, And to the earth it gave great light, And so it continued, both day and night. Chorus
3. And by the light of that same Star Three Wise Men came from country far, To seek for a King was their intent, And to follow the Star wherever it went. Chorus
4. This Star drew nigh to the North West; O'er Bethlehem it took it's rest. And there it did both stop and stay, Right over the place where Jesus lay. Chorus
5. Then did they know assuredly Within that house, the King did lie One entered in then for to see And found the babe in poverty. Chorus
6. Then enter'd in those Wise Men three, Full reverently upon their knee, And offer'd there, in his presence, Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. Chorus
7. Between an ox stall and an ass, This Child truly there born he was; For want of clothing they did him lay All in a manger, among the hay. Chorus
8. Then let us all with one accord Sing praises to our heavenly Lord; That hath made heaven and earth of nought, And with his blood mankind hath bought. Chorus
9. If we in our time shall do well We shall be free from death and Hell For God hath prepared for us all A resting place in general. Chorus
Over the years The First Noel's popularity has grown tremendously, so much so that you can hear, over the course of the holiday season, versions of the carol for chorus, children's chorus, organ, recorder/flute choir, wind ensemble, orchestra, chorus and orchestra, etc., as well as pop, rock, country, jazz, hip-hop and even heavy metal versions. You can spend hours on YouTube or your favorite streaming service finding YOUR favorite! Here are some that hit home for me . . .
The First Noel - Marginalchor (straightforward, with most of the verses)
The First Noel - Classical Guitar Corner (as simple as it gets . . .)
The First Noel - Pentatonix (contemporary a cappella at its best)
Day 12 - Gabriel's Message (or The angel Gabriel from heaven came)
Snow has arrived early for some of us, and 2024 is almost gone! That, of course, means another Twelve Days of Christmas (Before and After!), musings on familiar and not so familiar carols of the season . . .
Our first carol comes from the Basque region of Spain. And I couldn't do a better job of introducing this beautiful carol than the one given by Willym at Willy or Won't He . . .
"The traditions and music of the Basque region are generally unknown to the world at large but one regional carol has become a favourite over the past few years. Birjina gaztetto bat zegoen (There was a young virgin) recounts the story of the Annunciation by the angel Gabriel to Mary of her role as chosen vessel for the birth of Christ.
In 1897 musicologist, teacher and composer Charles Bordes, on a commission from the French Government, collected and published his Les Archives de la tradition basque. This book came to the attention of Sabine Baring-Gould, one of the most fascinating men in Victorian-Edwardian England. Baring-Gould was an Anglican priest, hagiographer, antiquarian, novelist and eclectic scholar. He wrote over 1240 publications – ghost stories, novels, biographies, hymns (Onward Christian Soldiers is only one of his many), collections of folk stories and, what he considered his greatest achievement, various collections of folks songs. He translated much of Bordes’ collection, with the most widely known being Birjina gaztetto bat zegoe. Its most referenced harmonization is by Edgar Pettman, who published it in his pamphlet The University Carol Book (1922). Gabriel's Message did not achieve any great popularity in the early 1900s, but over the past few decades it has become a choral staple at Christmastime."
The angel Gabriel from heaven came His wings as drifted snow his eyes as flame "All hail" said he "thou lowly maiden Mary, Most highly favored lady," Gloria!
"For known a blessed mother thou shalt be,
All generations laud and honor thee,
Thy Son shall be Emanuel, by seers foretold
Most highly favored lady," Gloria!
Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head
"To me be as it pleaseth God," she said,
"My soul shall laud and magnify his holy name."
Most highly favored lady. Gloria!
Of her, Emanuel, the Christ was born
In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say:
"Most highly favored lady," Gloria!
Birjina gaztetto bat zegoen - Aquabella
Gabriel's Message - VOCES8 (arranged by Jim Clements)
