This is an English carol that combines words from a longer poem by Richard Crashaw (“A Hymn of the Nativity”) with an Alsatian Cradle Song, both of which date back to the 1600s. We enjoyed creating our own arrangement, using simple harmonies, recording and layering the vocals, and using ambient effects to evoke a sense of peace and wondering love.
(We used verses 1,2,4, and 5 of the original 5-verse version.)
Here is the url for the simple Youtube video we made for this track: youtu.be/zTpVCbYRBlw
Carol: “At the Nativity” a.k.a. “Gloomy Night Embraced the Place.”
Text: From Richard Crashaw’s longer poem “A Hymn of the Nativity.” (R. Crashaw circa 1612-1650) (17th Century)
Melody: Alsatian Cradle Song from “Cantiques de Strasbourg,” 1697 (17th century)
Gloomy night embraced the place
Where-in the noble Infant lay;
The Babe look’d up and shew’d His face,
In spite of darkness it was day!
It was Thy day, Sweet! and did rise,
Not from the east, but from Thine eyes.
Winter child aloud, and sent
The angry North to was his wars.
The North forgot his fierce intent,
And left perfumes instead of scars.
By those sweet eyes’ persuasive powers
Where he meant frost, he scattered flowers.
Welcome, all wonders in one sight!
Eternity shut in a span!
Summer in winter, day in night!
Heaven in earth, and God in Man!
Great little one! Whose lowly birth,
Lifts earth to heav’n, stoops Heav’n to earth.
To Thee, meek Majesty! soft King
Of simple graces and sweet loves;
Each one of us his lamb will bring,
And each his pair of silver doves;
Till burnt in fire of Thy fair eyes,
Ourselves become our sacrifice!
(We used verses 1,2,4, and 5 of the original 5-verse version.)
credits
from Advent 2016,
released November 28, 2016
Vocals: L.D.A.L.
Arrangement: L.D.A.L.
Copyright/Produced by: L.D.A.L./DeguMoth Studios, 2016
Copyright for the text and melody: Public Domain
(For more information, see above in the section "About this track.")
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