While their flocks the shepherds tended (Traditional)
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- (Posted 2000-11-27) CPDL #01783:
- Editor: Christopher R. Baker (submitted 2000-11-27). Copyright: Personal
- Edition notes: arranged by Dr. F. Layrie
General Information
Title: While their flocks the shepherds tended
Composer: Anonymous (Traditional)
Number of voices: 4vv Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred, Carol
Language: English
Instruments: A cappella
First published:
Description: English language setting of Quem pastores laudavere, harmonization by F. Layrie.
External websites:
Original text and translations
English text
This text is a translation by Rev. John Fulton of the Latin Quem pastores laudavere, a 14th century German text.
1.
While their flocks the shepherds tended,
Heav'nly Hosts to earth descended,
Singing, with all voices blended,
"Fear not, Christ is born today."
2.
Eastern Seers rich gifts had wroght Him,
Gold, frankincense, myrr, they brought Him,
Guided by a Star they sought Him,
Prince of Life and Victory.
3.
On the Child with Mary gazing,
Join ye Christians all in raising
Songs to Him, Whom Heav'n is praising.
God incarnate come to men.
4.
From this day's first dawn to even,
Praise to Christ our King be given
By all Earth, and all in Heaven,
In our sweetest, loftiest strain