Alleluya, A New Work (Wishart)

Alleluya!
A new work is come on hand
Through might and grace of Godès son
To save the lost of every land.
For now is free that erst was bound.
We may well sing Alleluya!

Now is fulfilled the prophecy
Of David and of Jeremy
And also of Isaiah.
Sing we therefore both loud and high, Alleluya!

Alleluya, this sweetè song
Out of a green branch it sprung;
God send us the life that lasteth long.
Now joy and bliss be him among
That thus can sing Alleluya!

Traditional English Carol (15th century)

Music: Peter Wishart (1953)

Nowell sing we (Exortum Est in Love and Lysse) [setting 1]

Refrain

Nowell sing we, both all and some
Now Rex pacificus is come.

1. Exortum est in love and lysse,
Now Christ His grace He gan us gysse,
And with His body us bought to bliss,
Both all and some. (Refrain)

2. De Fructu ventris of Mary bright,
Both God and man in her alight,
Out of disease He did us dight,
Both all and some. (Refrain)

3. Puer natus to us was sent,
To bliss us bought, fro bale us blent,
Both all and some. (Refrain)

4. Lux fulgebit with love and light,
In Mary mild His pennon pight,
In her took kind with manly might,
Both all and some. (Refrain)

5. Gloria Tibi ay and bliss,
God unto His grace He us wysse,
The rent of heaven that we not miss,
Both all and some. (Refrain)

Mediaeval English Carol (15th century)

The Lord af first did Adam make

1. The Lord at first did Adam make
Out of the dust and clay,
And in his nostrils breathed life,
E'en as the Scriptures day.
And then in Eden's Paradise
He placed him to dwell,
That he within it should remain
To dress and keep it well.

Chorus.

Now let good Christians all begin
An holy life to live,
And to rejoice and merry be,
For this is Christmas Eve.

2. And then within the garden he
Commanded was to stay,
And unto him in commandment
These words the Lord did say:
The fruit which in the garden grows
To thee shall be for meet,
Except the tree in the midst thereof,
Of which thou shalt not east. (Chorus)

3. For in the day that thou shalt eat,
Or do it them come nigh;
For if that thou doth eat thereof
Then surely thou shalt die.
But Adam he did take no heed
Unto that only thing,
But did transgress God's holy law,
And so was wrapt in sin. (Chorus)

4. Now mark the goodness of the Lord
Which he for mankind bore,
His mercy soon he did extend,
Lost man for to restore;
And then for to redeem our souls
From death and hellish thrall,
He said his own dear son should be
The Saviour of us all. (Chorus)

5. Which promise now is brought to pass,
Christians, believe it well;
And by the coming of God's dear Son
We are redeemed from thrall.
Then if we truly do believe,
And do the thing aright;
Then by his merits we at last
Shall live in Heaven bright. (Chorus)

6. Now for the blessings we enjoy,
Which are from Heaven above,
Let us renounce all wickedness
And live in perfect love.
Then shall we do Christ's own command,
Ev'n his own written word,
And when we die in Heaven shall
Enjoy our living Lord. (Chorus)

7. And now the tide is nigh at hand,
Int' which our Saviour came;
Let us rejoice, and merry be,
In keeping of the same.
Let's feed the poor and hungry souls,
And such as do it crave;
Then when we die, in Heaven sure,
Our reward we shall have. (Chorus)

Historical information: Wikipedia / Hymns and Carols of Christmas

Traditional English Carol

Fantasia on Christmas Carols (Ralph Vaughan Williams)

Historical Information

Composer: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1912)

No Small Wonder (Small Wonder the Star)

1 Small wonder the star.
small wonder the light,
the angels in chorus,
the shepherds in fright;
but stable and manger for God -
no small wonder!

2 Small wonder the kings,
small wonder they bore
the gold and the incense,
the myrrh, to adore;
but God gives his life on a cross -
no small wonder!

3. Small wonder the love,
small wonder the grace,
the power, the glory,
the light of his face;
but all to redeem my poor heart,
no small wonder!

Composer: Paul Edwards (b. 1955)

Kommet, ihr Hirten (Traditional Bohemian Carol)

See also the English version: The Angels and the Shepherds

1. 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!

2. Lasset uns sehen in Bethlehems Stall,
Was uns verheißen der himmlische Schall;
Was wir dort finden, lasset uns künden,
Lasset uns preisen in frommen Weisen:
Halleluja!

3. Wahrlich, die Engel verkündigen heut
Bethlehems Hirtenvolk gar große Freud:
Nun soll es werden Friede auf Erden,
Den Menschen allen ein Wohlgefallen:
Ehre sei Gott!

See also the English version: The Angels and the Shepherds

Historical Information

Traditional Bohemian Carol

Quittez, pasteurs (arr. John Rutter)

Quittez, pasteurs,
Vos brebis, vos houlettes,
Votre hameau
Et le soin du troupeau;
Changez vos pleurs
En une joie parfaite,
Allez tous adorer
Un Dieu, un Dieu, un Dieu qui vient vous consoler;
Un Dieu, un Dieu, un Dieu qui vient vous consoler.

Vous le verrez
Couché dans une étable,
Comme un enfant
Nu, pauvre languissant;
Reconnaissez
Son amour ineffable
Pour nous venir chercher.
Il est, il est, il est le fidèle berger;
Il est, il est, il est le fidèle berger.

Rois d'Orient
L'étoile vous éclaire;
A ce grand roi
Rendez hommage et foi.
L'astre brillant
Vous mène à la lumière
De ce soleil naissant.
Offrez, offrez, offrez l'or, la myrrhe et l'encens;
Offrez, offrez, offrez l'or, la myrrhe et l'encens.

Esprit divin
À qui tout est possible,
Percez nos coeurs
De vos douces ardeurs;
Notre destin
Par vous devient paisible;
Dieu prétend nous donner
Le ciel, le ciel, le ciel en venant s'incarner;
Le ciel, le ciel, le ciel en venant s'incarner.

Traditional French Carol, arr. John Rutter

Angels from the Realms of Glory

SETTING 1: arranged by Philip Ledger
 





SETTING 2: arranged by Reginald Jacques





1. Angels from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o’er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation’s story
Now proclaim Messiah’s birth.

Refrain

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

2. Shepherds, in the field abiding,
Watching o’er your flocks by night,
God with us is now residing;
Yonder shines the infant light: (Refrain)

3. Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great Desire of nations;
Ye have seen His natal star. (Refrain)

3. Saints, before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear;
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In His temple shall appear. (Refrain)

4. Sinners, wrung with true repentance,
Doomed for guilt to endless pains,
Justice now revokes the sentence,
Mercy calls you; break your chains. (Refrain)

5. Though an Infant now we view Him,
He shall fill His Father’s throne,
Gather all the nations to Him;
Every knee shall then bow down: (Refrain)

6. All creation, join in praising
God, the Father, Spirit, Son,
Evermore your voices raising
To th’eternal Three in One. (Refrain)

Historical Information: Wikipedia / Hymns and Carols of Christmas

Words: James Montgomery (1771-1854)
Music: "Les anges dans nos campagnes" (French Carol, 18th century)

Quem Pastores Laudavere

1. Quem pastores laudavere,
quibus angeli dixere,
absit vobis jam timere,
natus est rex gloriæ.

2. Ad quem reges ambulabant,
aurum, thus, myrrham portabant,
immolabant hæc sincere
Leoni victoriæ.

3. Exultemus cum Maria
In cœlesti heirarchia
Natum promat voce pia
Laus honor et gloria.

4. Christo regi, Deo nato,
per Mariam nobis dato,
merito resonet vere
Dulci cum melodia.

Historical Information

Words: 14th century, Hoenforth MS
Music: German, Breslau, 1555

Ding Dong! Merrily on High (Setting 3: Mack Wilberg)

See also other arrangements by: David Willcocks / Charles Wood

1. Ding dong! merrily on high
In heav'n the bells are ringing:
Ding dong! verily the sky
Is riv'n with Angel singing.

Refrain: 

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. (Refrain)

3. Pray you, dutifully prime
Your matin chime, ye ringers;
May you beautifully rime
Your evetime song, ye singers. (Refrain)

See also other arrangements by: David Willcocks / Charles Wood

Historical Information: Wikipedia / Hymns and Carols of Christmas

Words:  George Radcliffe Woodward (1848–1934)
Music: "Branle de L'Official," in "Orchesographie," (1588), by Jehan Tabourot (1519-1595)

Ding Dong! Merrily on High (Setting 2: David Willcocks)

 

See also other arrangements by: Charles Wood / Mack Willberg

1. Ding dong! merrily on high
In heav'n the bells are ringing:
Ding dong! verily the sky
Is riv'n with Angel singing.

Refrain: 

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. (Refrain)

3. Pray you, dutifully prime
Your matin chime, ye ringers;
May you beautifully rime
Your evetime song, ye singers. (Refrain)

See also other arrangements by: Charles Wood / Mack Willberg

Historical Information: Wikipedia / Hymns and Carols of Christmas

Words:  George Radcliffe Woodward (1848–1934)
Music: "Branle de L'Official," in "Orchesographie," (1588), by Jehan Tabourot (1519-1595)

Ding Dong! Merrily on High (Setting 1: Charles Wood)

 

See also other arrangements by: David Willcocks / Mack Willberg

1. Ding dong! merrily on high
In heav'n the bells are ringing:
Ding dong! verily the sky
Is riv'n with Angel singing.

Refrain: 

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. (Refrain)

3. Pray you, dutifully prime
Your matin chime, ye ringers;
May you beautifully rime
Your evetime song, ye singers. (Refrain)

See also other arrangements by: David Willcocks / Mack Willberg

Historical Information: Wikipedia / Hymns and Carols of Christmas

Words:  George Radcliffe Woodward (1848–1934)
Music: "Branle de L'Official," in "Orchesographie," (1588), by Jehan Tabourot (1519-1595)

Maria wallt zum Heiligtum (Johannes Eccard)

See also the English version: When to the Temple Mary Went

Maria wallt zum Heiligtum
und bringt ihr Kindlein dar,
das schaut der greise Simeon,
wie ihm verheißen war.
Da nimmt er Jesum in den Arm
und singt im Geiste froh:
Nun fahr' ich hin mit Freud,
dich, Heiland, sah ich heut,
du Trost von Israel, das Licht der Welt.

See also the English version: When to the Temple Mary Went


Composer: Johannes Eccard (1553-1611)

Sleep! Holy Babe!

Sleep! Holy Babe! upon Thy mother’s breast;
Great Lord of earth and sea and sky,
How sweet it is to see Thee lie
In such a place of rest,
In such a place of rest.

Sleep! Holy Babe! Thine angels watch around,
All bending low with folded wings,
Before th’incarnate King of kings,
In reverent awe profound.
In reverent awe profound.

Sleep! Holy Babe! while I with Mary gaze
In joy upon that face awhile,
Upon the loving infant smile
Which there divinely plays.
Which there divinely plays.

Sleep! Holy Babe! ah! take Thy brief repose;
Too quickly will Thy slumbers break,
And Thou to lengthened pains awake
That death alone shall close,
That death alone shall close.

Historical Information

Words: Edward Caswall (1814-1878)
Music: John B. Dykes (1823-1876), in Henry Ramsden Bramley and John Steiner, Christmas Carols New and Old, First Series (Novello, 1871)

The Shepherd's Carol (Bob Chilcott)

We stood on the hills, Lady,
Our day’s work done,
Watching the frosted meadows
That winter had won.

The evening was calm, Lady,
The air so still,
Silence more lovely than music
Folded the hill.

There was a star, Lady,
Shone in the night,
Larger than Venus it was
And bright, so bright.

Oh, a voice from the sky, Lady,
It seemed to us then
Telling of God being born
In the world of men.

And so we have come, Lady,
Our day’s work done,
Our love, our hopes, ourselves,
We give to your son.

Composer: Bob Chilcott (b. 1956)

Past Three O'Clock

Refrain.

Past three a clock,
And a cold frosty morning,
Past three a clock;
Good morrow, masters all!

1. Born is a Baby,
Gentle as may be,
Son of the eternal
Father supernal. (Refrain.)

2. Seraph quire singeth,
Angel bell ringeth;
Hark how they rime it,
Time it and chime it. (Refrain.)

3. Mid earth rejoices
Hearing such voices
e'ertofore so well
Carolling Nowell. (Refrain.)

4. Hinds o'er the pearly,
Dewy lawn early
Seek the high Stranger
Laid in the manger. (Refrain.)

5. Cheese from the dairy
Bring they for Mary
And, not for money,
Butter and honey. (Refrain.)

6. Light out of star-land
Leadeth from far land
Princes, to meet him,
Worship and greet him. (Refrain.)

7. Myrrh from full coffer,
Incense they offer;
Nor is the golden
Nugget withholden. (Refrain.)

8. Thus they: I pray you,
Up, sirs, nor stay you
Till ye confess him
Likewise and bless him. (Refrain.)

Historical Background

Words: Refrain Traditional, Verses - George Radcliffe Woodward (1848–1934)
Music: "London Waits" (Traditional English)

Unto us is born a Son

Unto us is born a Son,
King of quires supernal:
See on earth his life begun,
Of lords the Lord eternal.

Christ, from heaven descending low,
Come on earth a stranger;
Ox and ass their owner know,
Becradled in the manger.

This did Herod sore affray,
And grievously bewilder,
So he gave the word to slay,
And slew the little childer.

Of his love and mercy mild
This the Christmas story;
And O that Mary's gentle child
Might lead us up to glory.

O and A, and A and O,
Cum cantibus in choro,
Let our merry organ go,
Benedicamus Domino.

Historical Information

Words: XV Century Latin, tr. George Radcliffe Woodward (1848–1934)
Music: Piae Cantiones

God is with us / A Christmas Proclamation (John Tavener)

God is with us.
Hear ye people,
Even to the uttermost end of the earth.
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light.
The people that dwell in the shadow of death,
upon them the light has shined.
For unto us a child is born!
For unto us a son is given!
And the government shall be upon his shoulder,
And his name shall be called Wonderful! Counsellor!
The Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
Hear ye people,
Even to the uttermost end of the earth.
God is with us,
Christ is born!

Words: from the Orthodox Great Compline for Christmas Eve
Music: John Tavener (b. 1944)

The Cherry Tree Carol (arr. Cleobury)

Joseph was an old man
and an old man was he,
When he wedded Mary,
in the land of Galilee.

Joseph and Mary walked
through an orchard good,
Where was cherries and berries,
so red as any blood.

O then bespoke Mary,
so meek and oh, so mild:
‘Pluck me one cherry, Joseph,
for I am with child.’

O then bespoke Joseph,
with words most unkind:
‘Let him pluck thee a cherry
that brought thee with child.’

O then bespoke the baby,
within his mother’s womb:
‘Bow down then the tallest tree,
for my mother to have some.’

Then bowed down the highest tree
unto his mother’s hand;
Then she cried, ‘See, Joseph,
I have cherries at command.’

O then bespoke Joseph:
‘I have done Mary wrong;
But cheer up, my dearest,
and be ye not cast down.’

Then Mary plucked a cherry,
as red as any blood,
Then Mary she went homewards
all with her heavy load.

Historical Background

Text: English Traditional
Music: Stephen Cleobury

Myn Lyking

I saw a fair mayden sytten and sing
She lulled a little childe, a sweete Lording.

Refrain:
Lullay mye lyking, my dere sonne, my sweeting.
Lully mydere herte, myn own dere derling.

That same Lord is he that made alle thing,
Of alle lord is his is lord, of alle kynges King. (Refrain)

There was mickle melody at that chylde's birth
All that were in heav'nly bliss, they made mickle myrth. (Refrain)

Angels bright sang their song to that chyld;
Blyssid be thou, and so be she, so meek and so mild. (Refrain)

Historical Background

Words: Traditional, 15th Century (Sloane MS 2593)
Music: Richard Ruciman Terry (1865-1938)