Musik zum Hochfest

Kommt man vielleicht nicht im ersten Moment drauf, aber ein sehr schönes englisches (bin ich ja eh Fan von) Weihnachtslied zum heutigen Tag. Es kommt aus Cornwall und wurde zuerst 1823 veröffentlicht. Viele verschiedene Versionen aus verschiedenen Stilrichtungen gibt es. Am besten gefällt mir die traditionelle englische Chorversion. Auf CD habe ich noch eine tolle Fassung mit dem London Symphony Orchestra, die gibt es aber nicht online. Die Rede ist natürlich von "The first nowell".

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.

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.

Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.

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 whersoever it went.

Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.

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.

Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.

Then entered in those wise men three
full reverently upon their knee
and offered there in his presence
their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.

Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.

Then let us all with one accord
sing praises to our heavenly Lord;
that hath made heaven and earth of nought,
and with his blood mankind hath bought.

Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.