O magnum mysterium
Our fifth Christmas CD

Released in October 2015.

1. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

trad. English/Anglais

 

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan’s power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

From God our Heavenly Father
A blessed Angel came;
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

The shepherds at these tidings
Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding
In tempest, storm and wind:
And went to Bethlehem straightway
The blessed Babe to find.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

3. Here is the Little Door

Herbert Howells

Here is the little door, lift up the latch, oh lift!
We need not wander more but enter with our gift;
Our gift of finest gold,
Gold that was never bought nor sold;
Myrrh to be strewn about his Bed;
Incense in clouds about his Head;
All for the Child that stirs not in his sleep,
But holy slumber holds with ass and sheep.

Bend low about his Bed, for each he has a gift;
See how his eyes awake, lift up your hands, O lift!
For gold he gives a keen-edge sword
(Defend with it thy little Lord!)
For incense, smoke of battle red,
Myrrh for the honoured happy dead;
Gifts for his children, terrible and sweet,
Touched by such tiny hands and Oh such tiny feet.

5. Alleluya, A New Work is Come

Peter Wishart

Alleluya, a new work is come on hand
Through might and grace of Gode’s son
To save the lost of ev’ry land.
Alleluya. For now is free that erst was bound ;
We may well sing Alleluya.

Now is fulfilled the prophecy
Of David and of Jeremy
And also of Isaiah; Alleluya,
Sing we therefore both loud and high: Alleluya.

Alleluya, this sweeté song,
Out of a green branch it sprung.
God send us the life that lasteth long ! Alleluya,
Now joy and bliss be him among
That thus can sing Alleluya.

7. Venez divin Messie

arr/harm: Pierre Massie

Refrain
Venez divin Messie
Sauvez nos jours infortunés,
Venez source de Vie
Venez, venez, venez!

1. Ah ! Descendez, hâtez vos pas ;
Sauvez les hommes du trépas,
Secourez-nous, ne tardez pas.
Dans une peine extrême,
Gémissent nos cœurs affligés.
Venez Bonté Suprême,
Venez, venez, venez!

Refrain

2. Ah ! Désarmez votre courroux,
Nous soupirons à vos genoux,
Seigneur nous n’espérons qu’en vous,
Pour nous livrer la guerre
Tous les enfers sont déchaînés ;
Descendez sur la terre
Venez, venez, venez!

Refrain

9. I Saw Three Ships

arr/harm: William Llewellyn

I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day in the morning.

I saw three ships come sailing in
Christmas Day, Christmas Day;
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?
And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas Day in the morning?

The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,
Christmas Day, Christmas Day;
The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

Pray, wither sailed those ships all three,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Pray, wither sailed those ships all three,
On Christmas Day in the morning?

O they sailed into Bethlehem,
Christmas Day, Christmas Day;
O they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,
Christmas Day, Christmas Day;
And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,
On Christmas Day in the morning
On Christmas Day in the morning.

Then let us all rejoice amain,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Then let us all rejoice amain,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day in the morning.

11. In the Bleak MidWinter

Harold Darke
A cappella arr: Pierre Massie

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

13. O magnum mysterium

Pierre Massie

O magnum mysterium,
et admirabile sacramentum,
ut animalia viderent Dominum natum,
jacentem in praesepio!
Beata Virgo, cujus viscera
meruerunt portare
Dominum Christum.
Alleluia.

15. Suo Gân

arr/harm: Lawrence Wiliford

Huna blentyn arfy mynwes
Clyd a chynnes ydyw hon
Breichiau mam sy’n dynn amdanat
Cariad mam sy dan fy mron
Ni cha dim amharu’th gyntun
Ni wna undyn a thi gam
Huna’n dawel, annwyl blentyn
Huna’n fwyn ar fron dy fam.

Paid ag ofni, dim ond deilen
Gura, gura ar y ddôr;
Paid ag ofni, ton fach unig
Sua, sua ar lan y môr;
Huna blentyn, nid oes yma
Ddim i roddi iti fraw;
Gwena’n dawel ar fy mynwes
Ar yr engyl gwynion draw.

17. Dormi Jesu

John Rutter

Dormi, Jesu! Mater ridet
Quae tam dulcem somnum videt,
Dormi, Jesu! blandule!
Dormi, Jesu! blandule!
Dormi, Jesu! blandule!

Si non dormis, Mater plorat,
Inter fila cantans orat,
Blande, veni, somnule.
Dormi, Jesu! blandule!
Dormi, Jesu! blandule!

Sleep, sweet baby! my cares beguiling:
Mother sits beside thee smiling;
Sleep, my darling, tenderly!
Dormi, Jesu! blandule!
Dormi, Jesu! blandule!

19. En El Portal de Belen

Trad. Puerto Rican
Arr: Ed Henderson

Ha nacido en un portal
LLenito de telarañas,
Entre la mula y el buey
El Redentor de las almas.
Este es un lerum, lamaruxina,
Este es un lerum en el portal;
Vaya prosigo este cantar,
Vaya prosigo este cantar
Lerum, lerum, lerum, la!

En el portal de Belén
Hay estrella, sol y luna;
La Virgen y San José
Y el Niño que esta en la cuña.
Este es un lerum, lamaruxina,
Este es un lerum en el portal;
Vaya prosigo este cantar,
Vaya prosigo este cantar
Lerum, lerum, lerum, la!

Entro al portal un gallego
Que vengo desde Galicia
Y le traigo al Niño Dios
Lienzo para una camisa.
Este es un lerum, lamaruxina,
Este es un lerum en el portal;
Vaya prosigo este cantar,
Vaya prosigo este cantar
Lerum, lerum, lerum, la!
Lerum, lerum, lerum, la!

Entro un gitano al portal
De Granada vengo a aqui
Y le traigo al Niño Dios
Un gallo quiquiriqui.
Este es un lerum, lamaruxina,
Este es un lerum en el portal;
Vaya prosigo este cantar,
Vaya prosigo este cantar
Lerum, lerum, lerum, la!
Lerum, lerum, lerum, la

21. Iesous Ahatonnia

Trad. Canadian
Arr: Pierre Massie

Estennia yon de tsonwe Iesous ahatonnia
Onn’awatewa d’oki n’on ywandaskwaentak
Ennonchien skwatrihotat n’on ywandi yonrachatha
Iesous ahatonnia.

A yoki onkinnhache eronhia yeronnon,
yontonk ontatiande ndio sen tsatonnharonnion,
warie onnawakweton ndio sen tsatonnharonnion,
Iesous ahatonnia.

Onne ontahation chiahonayen Iesous,
Ahatichiennonniannon kahachia handiayon,
Te honannonronkwannion ihontonk oerisen,
Iesous ahatonnia.

23. It came upon a midnight clear

arr/harm: A. Sullivan/D. Willcocks

It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, goodwill to all,
From heaven’s all-gracious King.”
The world in solemn stillness lay,
To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come,
With peaceful wings unfurled,
And still their heavenly music floats
O’er all the weary world;
Above its sad and lowly plains,
They bend on hovering wing,
And ever o’er its Babel sounds
The blessed angels sing.

And ye, beneath life’s crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow,
Look now! for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road,
And hear the angels sing!

For lo!, the days are hastening on,
By prophets seen of old,
When with the ever-circling years
Shall come the time foretold
When the new heaven and earth shall own
The prince of Peace their King
And the whole world give back the song
Which now the angels sing.

25. Notre divin Maître

arr/harm: Pierre Massie

Refrain
Notre divin Maître, bergers, vient de naître
Rassemblons-nous volons à ses genoux
Aux hymnes des anges mêlons nos louanges
De nos concerts remplissons l’univers.

Tendre victime, sauveur magnanime
Il vient de tout crime laver les pécheurs
Mais les prémices de ses dons propices
Et de ses faveurs sont pour les pasteurs.

Refrain

Oh! qu’il est puissant auguste, adorable
Mais qu’il est affable, humain, doux, aimable
Ce Dieu fait enfant qu’il est beau, qu’il est grand
Qu’il est bienfaisant! qu’il est charmant!

Refrain

À ce Dieu qui vous aime venez sans frayeur
Vos agneaux mêmes n’ont pas sa douceur
La timide innocence la simple candeur
L’humble indigence plaisent à son coeur.
Pour être à vous semblable il naît dans une étable
Il habite un hameau une crèche fait son berceau.
À vous que tout s’unisse que dans ce saint jour
Tout retentisse de vos chants d’amour
Pour Lui, musettes tendres, hautbois, chalumeaux
Faites entendre vos sons les plus beaux.

Refrain

27. The First Nowell

Trad. English; arr: Pierre Massie

The First Nowell, the Angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay a-keeping their sheep
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel!

And by the light of that same star
Three Wise men came from country far
To seek for a King was their intent
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel!

This star drew nigh to the northwest
O’er Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel!

2. In dulci jubilo

Arr: R.L. Pearsall

In dulci jubilo,
Let us our homage show!
Our heart’s joy reclineth
In praesepio;
And like a bright star shineth
Matris in gremio.
Alpha es et O!
Alpha es et O!

O Jesu parvule!
I yearn for thee alway!
Hear me, I beseech thee,
O puer optime!
My prayer let it reach thee,
O Princeps gloriae!
Trahe me post te!
Trahe me post te!

O Patris caritas,
O Nati lenitas!
Deeply were we stained
Per nostra crimina;
But thou hast for us gained
Coelorum gaudia.
O that we were there!
O that we were there!

Ubi sunt gaudia,
If that they be not there?
There are angels singing
Nova cantica,
There the bells are ringing
In Regis curia:
O that we were there,
O that we were there.

4. Nouvelle agréable

arr/harm: Pierre Massie

Refrain

Nouvelle agréable
Un Sauveur Enfant nous est né
C’est dans une étable
Qu’il nous est donné.

Dans cette nuit le Christ est né
C’est pour nous qu’il s’est incarné
Venez pasteurs offrir vos coeurs
Aimez cet enfant tout aimable.

Refrain

Chrétiens, cet enfant plein d’appas
Vous appelle, hâtez vos pas
Allez à lui puisqu’aujourd’hui
Il tend une main secourable.

Refrain

6. Once in Royal David's City

arr/harm: A.H. Mann/D. Willcocks

Once in royal David’s city,
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her baby
In a manger for His bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little child.

He came down to earth from heaven,
Who is God and Lord of all,
And His shelter was a stable,
And His cradle was a stall;
With the poor and mean and lowly,
Lived on earth our Savior holy.

And our eyes at last shall see Him,
Through His own redeeming love;
For that child so dear and gentle,
Is our Lord in heaven above,
And He leads His children on,
To the place where He is gone.

Not in that poor lowly stable,
With the oxen standing by,
We shall see Him, but in heaven,
Set at God’s right hand on high;
When like stars
His children crowned,
All in white shall be around.

8. I Saw A Maiden

Old Basque Noël

I saw a maiden sitten and sing:
she lulled a child, a sweete Lording.

Refrain
Lullay, lullay, my dear son, my sweeting.
Lullay, lullay, my dear heart, my own dear darling.

This very Lord he made alle thing;
of lordes the Lord, of kinges the King.

Refrain

Angels sang that night and saiden to that child:
now blest be thou and she, both meek and mild.

Refrain

Pray we to that child and to his mother dear,
His blessing to them that maken now cheer.

Refrain

10. Still, Still, Still

arr/harm: John Rutter

Still, still, still,
Weils Kindlein schlafen will.
Maria tut’s zur Ruhe bringen,
Und ihm Schlummert Liedlein singen.
Still, still, still,
Weils Kindlein schlafen will.

Schlaf, schlaf, schlaf,
Mein liebes Kindlein schlaf!
Die Engel tun schön musizieren
Vor dem Kindlein jubilieren.
Schlaf, schlaf, schlaf,
Mein liebes Kindlein schlaf!

Groß, groß, groß
Die Lieb ist übergroß!
Gott hat den Himmelsthron verlassen
Und muss reisen auf der Straßen.
Groß, groß, groß
Die Lieb’ ist übergroß.
Vor dem Kindlein jubilieren

12. Wassail Song

arr/harm: Pierre Massie

We’ve been a mile a wandering
Among the fields so free,
But now we come a wassailing
so plainly to be seen

Refrain
Ah! ‘Tis Christmas time
and we’ve travelled far and near
May God bless you and send you
A happy new year.

Refrain

We are not daily beggars
That go from door to door,
We are your neighbour’s children
Whom you have seen before

Refrain

God bless the master of this house
The mistress also
And all the little children
That round the table go

Refrain

14. Good King Wenceslaus

arr/harm: Sir David Willcocks

Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the feast of Stephen
When the snow lay round about
Deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night
Though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight
Gath’ring winter fuel

“Hither, page, and stand by me
If thou know’st it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?”
“Sire, he lives a good league hence
Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes’ fountain.”

“Bring me flesh and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear him thither.”
Page and monarch forth they went
Forth they went together
Through the rude wind’s wild lament
And the bitter weather

“Sire, the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer.”
“Mark my footsteps, good my page
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter’s rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly.”

In his master’s steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed
Therefore, Christian men, be sure
Wealth or rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing

16. A Virgin Most Pure

arr/harm: Charles Wood

A virgin most pure, as the Prophets do tell,
Hath brought forth a baby, as it hath befell,
To be our Redeemer from death, hell and sin,
Which Adam’s transgression had wrapped us in.

Refrain
Aye, and therefore be merry,
Rejoice and be you merry,
Set sorrow aside;
Christ Jesus our Savior was born at this tide.

Refrain

In Bethlehem Jewry a City there was
Where Joseph and Mary together did pass,
And there to be taxed, with many one mo,
For Cæsar commanded the same should be so.

Refrain

But, when they had entered the city so fair
A number of people so mighty was there,
That Joseph and Mary, whose substance was small,
Could find in the Inn there no lodging at all.

Refrain

Then were they constrained in a stable to lie,
Where horses and asses they used for to tie;
Their lodging so simple they took it no scorn,
But against the next morning our Saviour was born.

Refrain

18. What Child is This

arr/harm: Pierre Massie

What child is this, who, laid to rest,
In Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

Refrain

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 Christian fear, for sinners here
The silent word is pleading.

Refrain

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary.

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone him.

Refrain (2)

Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The babe, the Son of Mary.

20. Village Wedding

John Tavener

To my beloved, who breaks my heart.
O Isaiah, dance for joy, for the Virgin is with child.
Do you listen within your veil, silent, God-quickened heart?
O Isaiah, dance for joy, for the Virgin is with child.
O depth and stillness of virginity! Follow your man.
O Isaiah, dance for joy, for the Virgin is with child.
Like a spring cloud, let her now tenderly spread her bridal veil.
O Isaiah, dance for joy, for the Virgin is with child.
O, like Leto giving birth to Apollo,
Do you listen within your veil?
O Isaiah, dance for joy, for the Virgin is with child.
She clasped the ethereal palm tree on Delos,
Like a spring cloud.
O Isaiah, dance for joy, for the Virgin is with child.
May you her mystical image…
O the peace of the bridal dawn.
O Isaiah, dance for joy, for the Virgin is with child.
Held by your husband’s strong heart,
And he listens.
O Isaiah, dance for joy, for the Virgin is with child.
Bring into the world with a single cry your child,
As the poet brings forth his creation.
O Isaiah, dance for joy, for the Virgin is with child.
O Isaiah, dance for joy, for the Virgin is with child.
O Isaiah, dance for joy, for the Virgin is with child.

22. Angelus ad Virginem

Arr: A. Carter/Sir David Willcocks/Pierre Massie

Angelus ad Virginem subintrans in conclave
Virginis formidinem demulcens inquit,”Ave!”
Ave, Regina virginum, coeli terraeque Dominum
concipies et paries intacta salutem hominum,
tu porta coeli facta medela criminum.

Quomodo conciperem quae virum non cognovi?
Qualiter infringerem quod firma mente vovi?
Spiritus Sancti gratia perficiet haec omnia;
ne timeas, sed gaudeas, secura quod castimonia
manebit in te pura Dei potentia.

Ad haec virgo nobilis respondens inquit ei:
“Ancilla sum humilis omnipotentis Dei.
Tibi coelesti nuntio, tanti secreti conscio
consentiens et cupiens videre factum quod audio;
parata sum parere Dei consilio.”

Eia Mater Domini, quae pacem reddidisti
Angelis et homini, cum Christum genuisti:
tuum exora Filium ut se nobis propitium
exhibeat et deleat peccata: praestans auxilium
vita frui beata post hoc exsilium.
Deo Gratias!

24. A Maiden Most Gentle

Arr: A. Carter; a cappella Pierre Massie

A maiden most gentle and tender we sing
Of Mary the mother of Jesus our King
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria.

How bless’d is the birth of her heavenly child
Who came to redeem us in Mary so mild
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria.

The archangel Gabriel foretold by his call
The Lord of creation and Saviour of all
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria.

Three kings came to worship with gifts rich and rare
And marvelled in awe at the babe in her care
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria.

Rejoice and be glad at this Christmas we pray;
Sing praise to the Saviour, sing endless “Ave”.
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria.

26. Holly and The Ivy

Eng trad. anglais

The holly and the ivy,
Now both are full well grown.
Of all the trees within the wood,
The holly bears the crown.
O the rising of the sun,
The running of the deer.
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir,
Sweet singing in the choir.

The holly bears a blossom,
As white as any flower.
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To be our sweet Saviour.
O the rising of the sun,
The running of the deer.
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir,
Sweet singing in the choir.

The holly bears a berry,
As red as any blood.
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To do poor sinners good.
O the rising of the sun,
The running of the deer.
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir,
Sweet singing in the choir.

The holly bears a prickle,
As sharp as any thorn;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
On Christmas in the morn.
O the rising of the sun,
The running of the deer.
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir,
Sweet singing in the choir.