new old Xmas music
Oscelyn A. AndersonSome of you know I've generally had my fill of Xmas music by Thanksgiving (thanks to the over-commercialization of the holiday, with merchandising displays and "background" music emerging before Halloween). But I'm usually receptive to something new, and often to new interpretations of something old. One refreshing item that was new for me was an old French carol played in 3 instead of the way I'd always heard it before, in 2 (or 4). I think it makes more sense in 3, and maybe this was the original form of the tune. Triple meter would have reflected the Trinity, appropriate for the birth of Christ. ♬MIDI♬
Il Est Ne, le Divin EnfantHe Is Born the Child DivineIl est ne, le divin Enfant,He is born, the holy Child,Jouez, hautbois, resonnez, musettes;Play the oboe and bagpipes merrily!Il est ne, le divin Enfant;He is born, the holy Child,Chantons tous son avenement!Sing we all of the Savior mild.
Follow the links if you want the verses. (The song starts and ends with the chorus.)