What Child is this? (Traditional)

Music files   (5 editions available)

L E G E N D

Disclaimer

How to download

ICON	SOURCE
	File details
	Help

Harmonizations

See also the Christmas Songbook

CPDL #18491: 

Editor: Rod Mather (submitted 2008-12-10).   Copyright: Personal

Edition notes:harmonized by John Stainer, a cappella.

• CPDL #7074: PDF and MIDI files available.

Editor: Edward L. Stauff (submitted 2004-05-20).   Score information: Letter, 1 page   Copyright: Personal

Edition notes: a cappella or with keyboard accomp.

• CPDL #1780: GIF and MIDI files available.

Editor: Christopher R. Baker (submitted 2000-11-27).   Copyright: CC BY 1.0

Edition notes: harmonized by John Stainer, a cappella.

Arrangements

CPDL #15768:   Sibelius 5

Editor: Richard Irwin (submitted 2008-03-16).   Score information: A3, 2 pages, 46 kbytes   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Arranged by Richard Irwin for unison voices with mixed exsemble (2 Lutes, Oboe D'Amore and Violin).

• CPDL #1073: PDF files available.

Editor: Sally DeFord (submitted 2000-07-02).   Score information:    Copyright: Personal

Edition notes: arranged by Sally DeFord with piano and optional flute.

General Information

Title: What Child is this?
Composer: Anonymous (Traditional), attributed to Henry VIII
Tune: Greensleeves
Lyricist: Will­iam Chatterton Dix (1837 - 1898), The Man­ger Throne, 1865

Number of voices: 4vv   Voicing: SATB

Genre: Sacred, Anthem

Language: English
Instruments: a cappella or Keyboard
Published:

• Christmas Carols New and Old, 1871 (Stainer arr.)

Description:

External websites:

• Cyber Hymnal™ article

Original text and translations

English text

1.

What Child is this who, laid to rest

On Mary’s lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,

While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King,

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;

Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

2.

Why lies He in such mean estate,

Where ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christians, fear, for sinners here

The silent Word is pleading.

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,

The cross be borne for me, for you.

Hail, hail the Word made flesh,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.

3.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,

Come peasant, king to own Him;

The King of kings salvation brings,

Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

Raise, raise a song on high,

The virgin sings her lullaby.

Joy, joy for Christ is born,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.