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This piece is the first in the set Two Welsh carols
The next piece is The best of mornings Awake were they only is sold only in the set Two Welsh carols, and is not available for sale as an individual piece.
The tune and words to this beautiful carol about the revelation of heavenly light and wisdom were published in The Oxford Book of Carols (1928). Solo sections alternate with simply harmonised tutti sections, in the manner typical of the Welsh plygain tradition.
The recording is by the men of the Magpie Consort of Columbus, OH.
Words
Awake were they only, those shepherds so lonely, On guard in that silence profound: When colour had faded, when night-time had shaded Their senses from sight and from sound. Lo, then broke a wonder, then drifted asunder The veils from the splendour of God, When light from the Holy came down to the lowly, And heav'n to the earth that they trod.
May light now enfold us, O Lord, for behold us Like shepherds, from tumult withdrawn, Nor hearing, nor seeing, all other care fleeing, We wait the ineffable dawn. O Spirit all-knowing, thou source overflowing, O move in the darkness around, That sight may be in us, true hearing to win us Glad tidings where Christ may be found.
