Located in the UK
Located in the USA
Located in Europe
- John Gardner
When Christ was born of Mary free, Op. 55 (1963)
- Novello & Co Ltd (World)
Programme Note
A carol for two-part choir on an anonymous 15th century text. The piece can be performed in a number of ways - by women's or men's voices alone, or using a combination of the two. However, it is probably most effective sung by soprano or treble voices alone.
When Christ was born of Mary free,
In Bethl'em in that fair city,
Angels sung e'er with mirth and glee.
REFRAIN: In excelsis gloria, Christo paremus cantica, In excelsis gloria.
Herd-men beheld these angels bright
To them appearéd with great light,
And said, 'God's son is born this night'.
REFRAIN
This king is come to save his kind,
In the scripture as we find;
Therefore this song we have in mind:
REFRAIN
This, dear Lord, for thy great grace,
Grant us the bliss to see thy face,
Where we may sing to thy solace.
REFRAIN
When Christ was born of Mary free,
In Bethl'em in that fair city,
Angels sung e'er with mirth and glee.
REFRAIN: In excelsis gloria, Christo paremus cantica, In excelsis gloria.
Herd-men beheld these angels bright
To them appearéd with great light,
And said, 'God's son is born this night'.
REFRAIN
This king is come to save his kind,
In the scripture as we find;
Therefore this song we have in mind:
REFRAIN
This, dear Lord, for thy great grace,
Grant us the bliss to see thy face,
Where we may sing to thy solace.
REFRAIN