While Shepherds watched their flocks by night (David Solomons)

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• CPDL #11803:    

Editor: David Solomons (submitted 2006-06-01).   Score information: A4, 9 pages, 369 kbytes   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: a version in C is also available at http://www.dwsmp3.com/shepherds.htm

General Information

Title: While Shepherds watched their flocks by night
Composer: David Solomons

Number of voices: 4vv   Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred, Carols

Language: English
Instruments: piano
Published: 2005

Description: A romping carol based on various melodies that fit the words including the Este Psalter original, on Ilkey Moor Bah t'at, Auld Lang Syne and various other sly references

External websites: http://www.dwsmp3.com/shepherds.htm (Performance by the composer in the lower key of G)

Original text and translations

English text

1.

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,

All seated on the ground,

The angel of the Lord came down,

And glory shone around,

And glory shone around.

2.

“Fear not!” said he, for mighty dread

Had seized their troubled mind.

“Glad tidings of great joy I bring

To you and all mankind

To you and all mankind.

3.

“To you, in David’s town, this day

Is born of David’s line

A Savior, who is Christ the Lord,

And this shall be the sign,

And this shall be the sign.

4.

“The heavenly Babe you there shall find

To human view displayed,

All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,

And in a manger laid,

And in a manger laid."

5.

Thus spake the seraph and forthwith

Appeared a shining throng

Of angels praising God on high,

Who thus addressed their song,

Who thus addressed their song:

6.

“All glory be to God on high,

And to the Earth be peace;

Good will henceforth from Heaven to men

Begin and never cease,

Begin and never cease!”