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
No comments:
Post a Comment