One of Devereux’s, this carol is still sung traditionally and in a very free and ornamented style. I was interested to hear what would happen if I stripped it down, removed the ornaments and locked it (but not chained!) in 4/4 time.
lyrics
Now to conclude our Christmas mirth, For the news of our redemption,
We end these songs on our saviours birth With one that deserves attention
Three great wonders fell on this day
A star brought Kings where the Infant lay, Water made wine in Gallilee,
And Christ baptized in Jordan.
Those Kings must have known what Balaam of old,
Said of a star that would rise
In Jacob’s land when he foretold,
The coming of the Messias,
Jaspar, Melchior and Balthasar,
Set out when they saw the new bright star, Leaving their eastern Kingdoms far,
To find the new born Jesus.
Amazed to see the cottage poor,
The stall perhaps where he was born, Leaving their retinue at the door
Though great they entered without scorn,
The blessed babe and Mother found, Laying their crowns and scepters down, Adored him prostrate on the ground, And might have spoken as follows,
Thou King of Kings here in disguise, Whom stars obey and Angels serve, Who Wealth and grandeur you dispise, You have given us more than we deserve, Our beds are gold and Ivory,
Our garments rich embroidery, Set with stones and pageantry, Whilst you lie in a stable.
What else might have passed you may con- ceive,
In this fond conversation,
They bid farewell taking their leave, Homewards to their habitation;
Farewell good Christians farewell too, Many a happy Christmass I wish you, With a blessed end hence to ensue, Through the merits of sweet Jesus.
credits
from The Wexford Carols,
released November 18, 2014
Rhiannon Giddens, lead vocals
Caitríona is known for her performances of Early Music and Traditional Irish song. She has recorded over twenty critically
acclaimed albums. The Wexford Carols with Tom Jones, Rosanne Cash, and Rhiannon Giddens, reached #1 on Billboard.
She has performed at Royal Albert Hall, Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall, Halle Handel Festival, Beethovenfest Bonn, Utrecht Early Music Festival, etc....more
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