What Child Is This?
SATB choral/organ score
PEL2038-Choir and Organ
AN ARRANGEMENT OF THE TRADITIONAL CAROL FOR SATB CHOIR AND ORGAN.
"What Child Is This?" was arranged by Halley in 2001 for the Christmas Angelicus concert series. The traditional English melody and William Chatterton Dix’s familiar text are presented in a fresh and dazzling new arrangement, with harmonies that are unmistakably jazz-inspired. The effect is rich and majestic, with an ethereal ending.
Video
Notes
Included in the Pelagosmusic recording "What Child Is This?", with Chorus Angelicus and Gaudeamus, directed by Paul Halley (PEL1005).
Texts
What Child Is This?
Words: William Chatterton Dix, c. 1865
Music: Traditional, arranged by Paul Halley (1952 - )
What child is this, who, laid to rest,
On 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
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
