More string music today, to start off the month of the Celebration of Christs Mass: The First Noel (also written The First Noël and The First Nowell) is a traditional classical English carol, most likely from the 18th century, although possibly earlier. In its current form, it is of Cornish origin, and it was first published in Carols Ancient and Modern (1823) and Gilbert and Sandys Carols (1833), both of which were edited by William Sandys and arranged, edited and with extra lyrics written by Davies Gilbert for Hymns and Carols of God. Today, it is usually performed in a four-part hymn arrangement by the English composer John Stainer, first published in his Carols, New and Old in 1871. The melody is unusual among English folk melodies in that it consists of one musical phrase repeated twice, followed by a refrain which is a variation on that phrase. All three phrases end on the third of the scale. It is thought to be a version of an earlier melody sung in a church gallery setting The First O Well; a conjectural reconstruction of this earlier version can be found in the New Oxford Book of Carols. This version is from the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Eugene Ormandy. Lyrics: American Version: The first Noel, the angels say To Bethlehems shepherds as they lay. At midnight watch, when keeping sheep, The winter wild, the light snow deep. Refrain: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel. The shepherds rose, and saw a star Bright in the East, beyond them far, Its beauty gave them great delight, This star it set now day nor night. Now by the light of this bright star Three wise men came from country far; They sought a king, such their intent, The star their guide whereer it went. Then drawing nigh to the northwest, Oer Bethlehem town it took its rest; The wise men learnt its cause of stay, And found the place where Jesus lay.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 01:42:24 +0000
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