Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella (2017)

Arranged for concert band

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Duration: 2.5 minutes

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Commission/Premiere

This arrangement of "Bring A Torch, Jeannette, Isabella" was commissioned by Gary Scudder, Director of the Stockdale Christian School Band in Bakersfield, California, which gave the Premiere. It is dedicated to Karen Eicher.

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Program Notes

Originally, "Bring A Torch, Jeannette, Isabella" was not a Christmas song, but rather a dance tune intended for the French nobility. It is thought to have been composed by the French composer, Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643 –1704).

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Bring a torch, Jeanette, Isabelle!
Bring a torch, to the stable call
Christ is born. Tell the folk of the village,
Jesus is born and Mary's calling.
Ah! Ah! beautiful is the Mother!
Ah! Ah! beautiful is her child
Who is that, knocking on the door?
Who is it, knocking like that?
Open up, we've arranged on a platter
Lovely cakes that we have brought here.
Knock! Knock! Open the door for us!
Knock! Knock! Let's celebrate!
It is wrong when the child is sleeping,
It is wrong to talk so loud.
Silence, now as you gather around,
Lest your noise should waken Jesus.
Hush! Hush! see how he slumbers;
Hush! Hush! see how fast he sleeps!
Softly now unto the stable,
Softly for a moment come!
Look and see how charming is Jesus,
Look at him there, His cheeks are rosy!
Hush! Hush! see how the Child is sleeping;

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Please Contact Me to acquire the score and parts to the work.