Price codeA
Christmas, midwinter, New YearCatalogue no. 4067
A boy was born SAA
Music: Douglas Cook, Words: Anon. (trans. Dearmer)
Voicing: SAA
Performance time approx: 1m 00s
Range S: d♭' – g♭'' / A1: a♭ – e♭'' / A2: f – c''
Price code: A
Complexity:
This piece is part of the set "A sequence of carols SAA".
The set also includes:
The words of this ancient and joyful carol (the oldest versions of which are in Latin and German) have been set to music by many composers. Douglas Cook’s version, in Percy Dearmer’s rhythmic English translation, has a modal flavour and makes a vigorous start to his sequence of carols.
A Boy was born in Bethlehem,
Rejoice for that, Jerusalem!
Alleluia!
For low he lay within a stall,
Who rules for ever over all:
Alleluia!
Then praise the Word of God who came
To dwell within a human frame:
Alleluia!
And praised be God in three-fold might
And glory bright,
Eternal, good and infinite!
Alleluia!
English translation by Percy Dearmer, from The Oxford Book of Carols.
© Oxford University Press 1928. Used by permission.