While shepherds watched (Thomas Clark)

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Music files

• CPDL #5044: Sibelius 2.
  

Editor: Toby Wardman (added 2003-05-13).   Score information: A4, 1 pages, 80 kbytes   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

General Information

Title: While shepherds watched
Composer: Thomas Clark

Number of voices: 4vv  Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred, Carols
Language: English
Instruments: a cappella.
Published: Sheet Music "Angel's Carol" by J. Clarke from O. Hardwig, ed., The Wartburg Hymnal (Chicago: Wartburg Publishing House, 1918), #119

Description: Original tune is 'Cranbrook' from A First Sett of Psalm & Hymn Tunes. Ent.Sta.Hall 28 January 1805. Clark (1775–1859) was ‘conductor of the music at the Wesleyan Chapel, Canterbury, and latterly of the Unitarian Chapel, Canterbury.’ Originally the tune was set with the words from the Doddridge hymn Grace Tis a charming sound - but more commonly known in Yorkshire as On Ilkeley Moor bah't tat.

External websites:

See other variations of this Traditional Yorkshire melody:

http://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/Hymns_and_Carols/while_shepherds_watched.htm

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.

2.

"Fear not," said he, (for mighty dread

Had seized their troubled minds);

"Glad tidings of great joy I bring

To you and all mankind.

3.

"To you in David's town this day

Is born of David's line

A Saviour, who is Christ the Lord,

And this shall be the sign:

4.

"The heav'nly Babe you there shall find

To human view displayed,

All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,

And in a manger laid."

5.

Thus spake the Seraph; and forthwith

Appeared a shining throng

Of angels praising God, who thus

Addressed their joyful song:

6.

All glory be to God on high,

And to the Earth be peace;

Goodwill henceforth from Heav'n to men

Begin and never cease."