SP4019
What child is this?
Music: Trad. arr. Sheena Phillips, Words: William Chatterton Dix
Voicing: SATB
Performance time approx: 2m 30s
Range S: b – d'' / A: a' – b' / T: f# – d' / B: B – c'
Price code: B
Complexity:
The tune (‘Greensleeves’) was already hundreds of years old by the time William Dix wrote these words for it. Dix lived and worked in Bristol, England, and his carol was published there but is now much better known in the USA.
The recording is by the Lancaster Chorale, Ohio, directed by Robert Trocchia.
What child is this who, laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping,
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
Chorus:
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Why lies he in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
So bring him incense, gold and myrrh;
Come peasant, king, to own him.
The King of Kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone him!
William Chatterton Dix