Huron Carol
SSA choral/organ score
PEL2084-Choir and Organ
A WORK FOR SSA CHOIR AND ORGAN WITH OPTIONAL HANDBELLS
The Native American (Huron) interpretation of Jesus birth where the stable becomes 'a lodge of broken bark', the swaddling clothes are 'a ragged robe of rabbit skin', and the shepherds abiding in their fields are transformed into hunter braves amid the woods, this beautiful text illuminates enchanting images of North American as a context for the Nativity described to the Huron by French missionaries. Halley arranges this text and the 16th century French carol 'Une jeaune pucelle' in a setting of austerity and simple reverence. Optional handbells further evoke the atmosphere of stark winter, with the bell tones ringing in the cold.
The "Huron Carol" (or "Twas in the Moon of Wintertime") is a Canadian Christmas Hymn (Canada's oldest Christmas song), written probably in 1642 by Jean de Brébeuf, a Jesuit missionary at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons in Canada. Brébeuf wrote the lyrics in the native language of the Huron/Wendat people; the song's original Huron title is "Jesous Ahatonhia" ("Jesus, he is born"). The song's melody is based on a traditional French folk song, "Une Jeune Pucelle" ("A Young Maid"). The well-known English lyrics were written in 1926 by Jesse Edgar Middleton and the copyright to these lyrics was held by The Frederick Harris Music Co., Limited, but entered the public domain in 2011.
This arrangement by Paul Halley was commissioned in 1991 by the Ottawa Central Choir, Barbara Clark, director.
Video
Notes
If handbells are not available, organ chimes or another appropriate stop may be used.
Included in the Pelagosmusic (Joyful Noise, 1995) recording "Christmas Angelicus", with Chorus Angelicus and Gaudeamus, directed by Paul Halley. (Catalogue No. JN103).
Texts
Huron Carol
Words: Native American (Huron) text by Jean de Brebeuf (1593-1648)
English words by Jesse Edgar Middleton, 1926, "Twas in the Moon of Wintertime"
Music: Canadian Christmas Hymn 'Jesous Ahatonhia' from the
16th Century French Carol 'Une jeune pucelle', arranged by Paul Halley
'Twas in the moon of wintertime,
When all the birds had fled,
That mighty Gitchi Manitou
Sent angel choirs instead;
Before their light the stars grew dim,
And wond'ring hunters heard the hymn:
Refrain:
Jesus your King is born,
Jesus is born,
In excelsis gloria.
Within a lodge of broken bark
The tender Babe was found,
A ragged robe of rabbit skin
Enwrapped His beauty round;
And as the hunter braves drew nigh,
The angel-song rang loud and high:
Refrain
The earliest moon of wintertime
Is not so round and fair
As was the ring of glory on
The helpless infant there.
The chiefs from far before Him knelt
With gifts of fox and beaver pelt.
Refrain
O children of the forest free,
O Sons of Manitou,
The Holy Child of earth and heaven
Is born today for you.
Come kneel before the radiant Boy,
Who brings you beauty, peace and joy.
Refrain
Reviews
"Several of the selections feature arrangements and descants by Paul Halley, and it is here that his background in jazz becomes apparent, as the warm and occasionally surprising harmonic progressions lend a fresh and contemporary air to some of the more familiar tunes."
- Jennifer Kolmes, The American Organist Magazine
"The children sing not only with coherence but with an admirable freshness of sound. Paul Halley’s imaginative harmonizations are refreshing."
- Victor Hill, Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians
