Embedded Files
As we prepared our family musical Christmas fireside this year (2022), my husband said, "You haven't arranged that song yet?" I laughed and thought what a beautiful carol it is. We sing it every year in our family nativity, but I hadn't created our own version of it yet. We thought it would make a great addition to our program, and wanted to do an a capella version. That is a challenge, but it was so fun to write. I couldn't rely on the piano (like I typically do) to make the arrangement sound grand. I used a full 6 parts (7 on the last note) matching our family's current capacity for our fireside.
I realized, as I wrote this, that composing/arranging for me feels like 'finding' or 'discovering' the music - like I'm trying to discern something just out of reach. A lot of prayer and searching and trying things is part of the process. This one took a little time to find, but it has come together beautifully! I hope you will enjoy this new arrangement too!
Hopefully we can include a live recording once we all learn it, but for now, there's a MIDI audio available.
~Rachel
Voicing: SSATBB, a capella
Accompaniment: none
Topics: Christmas
Lyrics: William Chatterton Dix
Music: Traditional
Arranged: Rachel P. Mohlman
LYRICS
What child is this, who laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping.
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear, shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you!
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh.
Come, peasant, king, to own him;
The King of kings salvation brings!
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high;
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born!
The Babe, the Son;
God's only Song!
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Google Sites
Report abuse