Tàladh Chriosda / Christ Child Lullaby
SATB choral/organ score
PEL2060-Choir and Organ
Tàladh Chriosda. Also known as Tàladh ar Slànair this hymn based on a traditonal Scottish folk tune, is sung at Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve in the islands of Barra, South Uist, and Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides. The words were written by Father Ranald Rankin, and given by him to the children of his congregation in Moidart, when he left for Australia in 1855. The original song has twenty-nine verses, and as with many old Gaelic songs, several variants of the tune exist.
This version was arranged by Paul Halley for the University of King's College Chapel Choir for the concert series "A King's Christmas' in 2013, and performed again in 2016. The tune was sung in Gaelic by three female choristers, backed up by the choir, with Paul Halley playing organ, and Nick Halley improvising on bodhran. This is a romantic and atmospheric arrangement of the traditional folk song for Christmas celebrations.
Video
Notes
'Tàladh Chriosda' (Christ Child's Lullaby) arr. Halley, performed by The Chapel Choir of The University of King's College, directed by Paul Halley. Percussion: Nick Halley & Henk Fisher. Solo Trio: Vanessa Halley, Dominique Saulnier & Karis Tees.
Texts
Tàladh Chriosda (Christ Child’s Lullaby) -
Words and music: Traditional Outer Hebrides (Isle of Barra)
Arranged by Paul Halley (1952 - )
Mo ghaol, mo ghràdh is m’eudail thu
M’iunntas ùr is m’èibhneas thu
Mo mhacan àluinn, ceutach thu
Chan fhiù mi fhèin bhi ‘d dhàil
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
Mo ghaol an t-sùil a sheallas tlàth
Mo ghaol an cridh’ tha liont’ le gràdh
Ged is leanabh thu gun chàil
Is lìonmhor buaidh tha ort a’ fàs
‘S tusa grian gheal an dòchais
Chuireas dorchadas air fògairt
Bheir thu clann-daoin bho staid bhrònaich
Gu naomhachd, soilleireachd is eòlas
Translation:
My love, my dear, my darling
My new treasure, you are my joy
You are my beautiful, fair son
I am unworthy to be near you
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
My darling of the gentle eyes
My darling whose heart is filled with love
Though you are but a helpless baby
Great victories will be yours
You are the white sun of hope
Who will banish darkness from us
You well redeem Mankind from sorrow
To sanctity, light and knowledge
