I have sung many carols and Christmas hymns over the years.
When I was in my 20's, I asked our dear family friend, Auntie Norma what her favourite carol was.
She replied, "Bethlehem Down." I went to look for it and learnt it. One of our Midnight services, I sang this as a solo. Oh, how I miss being at midnight communion on Christmas eve at that church. I was at my childhood church for my 2 school carol services yesterday for our first carol service actually to parents since 2019. It was a joy! All the children were allowed to go, the children behaved very well and sang really excellently. I was so surprised how good they sounded, especially Year 5-6 who really sang wonderfully! Many parents came to watch and seemed very pleased and delighted with the performance. In the evening, I went to London to perform Holst's Planets suite with Orchestra of the City. It was wonderful. I played the 4th flute part which has a wonderful alto flute part in Neptune. I finish off the whole piece with a solo played ever so quietly. What a privilege!
Anyway,back to the point, I went to go and listen to Bethlehem Down again
When He is King we will give him the King's gifts,
Myrrh for its sweetness, and gold for a crown,
"Beautiful robes", said the young girl to Joseph
Fair with her first-born on Bethlehem Down.
Bethlehem Down is full of the starlight
Winds for the spices, and stars for the gold,
Mary for sleep, and for lullaby music
Songs of a shepherd by Bethlehem fold.
When He is King they will clothe Him in grave-sheets,
Myrrh for embalming, and wood for a crown,
He that lies now in the white arms of Mary
Sleeping so lightly on Bethlehem Down.
Here He has peace and a short while for dreaming,
Close-huddled oxen to keep Him from cold,
Mary for love, and for lullaby music
Songs of a shepherd by Bethlehem fold.
Such beautiful lyrics by Bruce Blunt and music by Peter Warlock. The carol was composed in 1927. I really like it because it has medieval modality (this means it is based on a particular set of notes used within the Medieval era as well as using more modern Chromatic notes and the melody is varied.
I hope you enjoy it too.
xx
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