The First Nowell
SATB choral/organ score
PEL5021-Choir and Organ
Full score with parts for brass quintet and timpani
PEL5021-FS/Brass
AN ARRANGEMENT OF THE TRADITIONAL CAROL FOR CHOIR AND ORGAN WITH OPTIONAL BRASS QUINTET AND TIMPANI PARTS
This English carol, in a lush new arrangement for choir and organ with optional congregational participation. (v.1 harmonization by John Stainer) transforms the all-too-familiar into an exciting retelling of the story. With a 1-in-a-bar feel, the carol moves along, sustaining the momentum of the narrative. The second through fifth verses alternate between the upper and lower voices., building to the inevitable Halley descant for the last verse. The version with brass quintet and timpani is an option that makes for a truly festive Christmas presentation.
Video
Notes
Included on the recording "What Child Is This?" with Chorus Angelicus and Gaudeamus, directed by Paul Halley (PEL1005)
Texts
The First Nowell
Words: Trad. English (Sandys, 1833)
Music: English carol, v.1 harm. John Stainer (1840 - 1901)
Arranged by Paul Halley (1952 - )
1 The first Nowell the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields as they lay, keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell
Born is the King of Israel!
2 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.
Refrain
3 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.
Refrain
4 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.
Refrain
5 Then entered in those wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee,
And offered there in His presence
Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.
Refrain
6 Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavn'ly Lord;
That hath made heav'n and earth of nought,
And with his blood mankind hath bought.
Refrain
Reviews
"What earns it ["What Child Is This?" CD] a place in the Pantheon, though, are the descants Halley wrote for four carols, in particular the one for “The First Nowell”, which soars above not just the last chorus but the entire last stanza, fresh, audacious, and thrilling, lifting the familiar carol into realms of glory (to borrow a phrase from another carol).” - Michael Alan Fox
