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MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I always think of Aunt Pearl at this time of year. Aunt Pearl asked me to make a recording of some nice piano music, especially Christmas carols. Back in those days, a cassette recording is what she was looking for. I always told her I would make the recording when I had some time. Sadly, I never did make a recording for her, and sadly she's not with us any longer.
Dad loved Christmas. Even though he was blind the last decade of his life, he loved the lights of Christmas. He loved the music of Christmas too. He would always ask me to play something. He didn't care what, just something. But his favourite was Christmas music.
My new favourite Christmas carol comes from Sally DeFord, and I've played it this year again -- the French carol "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella". Sally's music can be found at this link: Sally DeFord.
"Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring" is a favourite of mine, and is appropriate for any time of year, any occasion. This is my own arrangement played by myself.
This year I have chosen to play an improvision on "Silent Night". An improvisation by its true nature will have the odd mistake in it. I'm happy to live up to the true definition of an improvisation with this performance.
From my keyboard to your home, I wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Wade
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Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
Double click either icon below to play
or right click and select "Save Link As" to download
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Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring
Double click either icon below to play
or right click and select "Save Link As" to download
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Improvisation on Silent Night
Double click either icon below to play
or right click and select "Save Link As" to download
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Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella is a Christmas carol which originated
from the Provence region of France in the 16th century. The song is
unique among Christmas carols in that it is in 3 8 time.
The carol was first published in 1553 in France, and was
subsequently
translated into English in the 18th century. The song was
originally not
a song to be sung at Christmas, but rather dance music
for French nobility.
The carol tells the story of two milkmaids, Jeanette and Isabella, who go to
milk their cows in a stable in Bethlehem, only to find the baby Jesus sleeping
in the manger. The two girls run to town to tell the village
of the coming of
Christ and the townspeople come with their own torches
to view the sight for
themselves. However, they have to keep their
voices down so little Jesus can
enjoy his dreams. To this day in the
Provence region, children dress up as
shepherds and milkmaids, carrying
torches and candles to Midnight Mass
on Christmas Eve, while singing the carol.
Bring a torch, Jeanette, Isabella!
Bring a torch, come swiftly and run!
Christ is born. Tell the folk of the village
Jesus is born and Mary's calling.
Ah! Ah! beautiful is the Mother!
Ah! Ah! beautiful is her son!
It is wrong when the Baby is sleeping,
It is wrong to speak so loud.
Silence, now as you gather around,
Lest your noise should waken Jesus.
Hush! Hush! see how the Baby slumbers;
Hush! Hush! see how the Baby sleeps!
Softly now unto the stable,
Softly for a moment come!
Look and see how charming is Jesus,
Look at him there, His cheeks are rosy!
Hush! Hush! see how the Child is sleeping;
Hush! Hush! see how he smiles in dreams!
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Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring was written by Johann Sebastian Bach.
Jesu, joy of man's desiring,
Holy wisdom, love most bright;
Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring
Soar to uncreated light.
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned,
With the fire of life impassioned,
Striving still to truth unknown,
Soaring, dying round Thy throne.
Through the way where hope is guiding,
Hark, what peaceful music rings;
Where the flock, in Thee confiding,
Drink of joy from deathless springs.
Theirs is beauty's fairest pleasure;
Theirs is wisdom's holiest treasure.
Thou dost ever lead Thine own
In the love of joys unknown.
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Improvisation on Silent Night. The carol was first performed in the Nikolaus-Kirche (Church of St. Nicholas) in Oberndorf,
Austria, on December 24, 1818. Mohr had composed the words two years
earlier, in 1816, but on Christmas Eve brought them to Gruber and asked
him to compose a melody and guitar accompaniment for the church service.
Silent night holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night
Shepherds quake at the sight,
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing alleluia;
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born.
Silent night holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
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Welcome
BRING A TORCH JEANETTE ISABELLA.WAV
