SING NOEL
Saturday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 17 at 3 p.m.
Christ Episcopal Church, 310 North K Street, Tacoma, WA
Northwest Repertory Singers Mission
To lift voices in song: creating art and fostering community through choral music.
The links below open in a new window:
Greetings from the Artistic Director
About Northwest Repertory Singers (NWRS)
About the NWRS Artistic Director and Collaborative Pianist
About Shannon Spicciati, Guest Artist
The content below differs from the paper program available at our concert. Below we include texts and translations. A PDF of the paper program, which includes donor recognition for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, is available here.
PROGRAM
Resonet in laudibus
Words: Latin carol, 14th century
Music: arr. Jacob Handl (1550–1591)
| Resonet in laudibus, cum iucundis plausibus, Sion cum fidelibus: apparuit, quem genuit Maria. Sunt impleta quae praedixit Gabriel: eia, eia, virgo Deum genuit, quod divina voluit clementia. Hodie apparuit in Israel: ex Maria virgine est natus rex. | Let praises resound with joyous acclaim, Zion and their faithful: He appears, who was born of Mary. It has been fulfilled what Gabriel foretold: eia, eia, a Virgin bore God, which divine mercy willed. Today He has appeared in Israel: from the Virgin Mary is born a King. |
A Simple Gloria
Words: M. K. Dean (b. 1950)
Music: Libby Larsen (b. 1950)
| And it was in a simple Gloria that quiet morn, And it was in a simple Gloria the Child was born. The angels sang a simple Gloria that echoed gently through the stars. The shepherds heard the simple Gloria, | |
| Gloria in excelsis Deo, Salvator mundi natus est. Ergo nos cum gaudio, Natus est Emmanuel. Gloria. | Glory to God in the highest, the Savior of the world is born, now, with joy. Emmanuel is born. Gloria. |
Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine
Words: German carol, 15th century; translated by N. S. Talbot (1879–1943)
Music: arr. Norman Luboff (1917–1987)
| Joseph dearest, Joseph mine, help me cradle the child divine; God reward thee and all that’s thine in paradise, so prays the Virgin Mary. He came among us at Christmastide at Christmastide in Bethlehem. They shall bring him from far and wide love’s diadem: Jesu, Jesu, lo, he comes and loves and saves and frees us. Gladly dear one, Lady mine, help me cradle this Child of thine; God’s own light on us both shall shine in paradise, as prays the Mother Mary. |
Three Nativity Carols
Stephen Paulus (1949–2014)
Shannon Spicciati, oboe
I. The Holly and the Ivy
English carol, 19th century
| The holly and the ivy When they are both full grown Of all trees that are in the wood The holly bears the crown: Chorus: The rising of the sun And the running of the deer, The playing of the merry organ Sweet singing in the choir. The holly bears a blossom As white as the lily flower And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ To be our sweet Saviour. (chorus) The holly bears a berry, As red as any blood, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ To do poor sinners good: (chorus) The holly bears a prickle, As sharp as any thorn, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ On Christmas Day in the morn. The holly bears a bark, As bitter as any gall, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ For to redeem us all: (chorus) |
II. This Endris Night
English carol, 15th century
| This endris night I saw a sight, A star as bright as day; And ever among, a maiden sung, “Lullay, by, by, lullay.” This lovely lady sat and sung, And to her child did say: “My son, my brother, father, dear, Why liest thou thus in hay?” The child then spake in his talking And to his mother said: “Yea, I am known as heaven-king In crib though I be laid.” “Now, sweet son, since thou art a king, Why art thou laid in stall? Why dost not order thy bedding In some great kinges hall?” “Mary mother, I am thy Child, Though I be laid in stall; For lords and dukes shall worship Me, And so shall kinges all.” “And in thy arm thou hold Me warm, And keep Me night and day, And if I weep, and may not sleep, Thou sing, by by, lullay.” |
III. Wonder Tidings
English carol, 15th century
| Chorus: What tidings bringest thou, messenger, Of Christes birth this jolly day? A babe is born of high nature; The Prince of Peace that ever shall be; Of heav’n and earth He hath the cure: His Lordship is eternity: Such wonder tidings ye may hear, That man is made now Goddes peer, Whom sin had made but fiendes prey. (chorus) A wonder thing is now befall; That King that formed star and sun, Heaven and earth and angels all, Now is mankind is new begun: Such wonder tidings ye may hear, An Infant now of but one year, That hath been ever and shall be ay. (chorus) That loveliest gan greet her child, “Hail, son! Hail, brother! Hail, father dear! Hail, daughter! Hail, sister! Hail, mother mild!” This hailing was of quaint mannere: Such wonder tidings ye may hear, That hailing was of such good cheer That mannes pain is turned to play. A Babe is born, alleluia! |
On this Silent Night
Words and music: Sarah Quartel (b. 1982)
| Frosty fields are laid to rest. In the air, an arctic breath brings snow, blowing snow is drifting deep. Frozen trees, protectors, see me safe in sleep, wrapped in dreams while the cold winds blow. Cloaked in slumber with firelight dancing, and all is calm on this silent night. Frosty fields, frozen trees, sleep in heavenly peace. Cloaked in slumber with firelight dancing, yet all is calm while the storm blows on. Cloaked in slumber with firelight dancing, wrapped in sleep with dreams enchanting, yet all is calm while the storm blows on, on this silent night. |
Winter
Words and melody: Kahlil Gibran (1883–1931), translated by A. R. Ferris
Setting: Z. Randall Stroope (b. 1953)
| Come close to me, my strength, my life. Let not winter’s touch enter between us. Sit down by the hearth, come close by the fire, the only fruit of winter. Come close to me, my strength, my life. The wine which we pressed is closing our eyes. Once more read with tears what life with me has written on your face. Speak to me of your glory, obscure the elements beyond the door, and sing the song of remembrance to Springtime’s carefree sowing, and Summer’s watchful tending, and Autumn’s bounty at harvest. Bind the door and seal the transoms, guard the windows, watch the rooftops. The snow laden fields make my heart mourn. Stoke the ashes, light the fire, fill the lamps and close the shutters! Come beloved and fear no more the slumber of winter. Come close to me, my strength my life. Let not winter’s touch enter between us. Sit down by the hearth, come close by the fire, the only fruit of winter. Come close to me, come close my slumber. How deep and wide the ocean of slumber. |
Noël Nouvelet
Words and melody: French carol, 15th century
Music: arr. Donna Gartman Schultz (b. 1948)
Shannon Spicciati, oboe
Sponsored by Clark and Julie Deem:
“Dr. Paul Schultz, we remember you and thank you for your wisdom and vision in founding Northwest Repertory Singers. We know you’re proud and we know you’re listening!”
| Here we sing of Christmas, Christmas comes anew. Come, devoted people, say to God, “Thank you.” Sing we noël unto the newborn King. Here we sing of Christmas, Christmas comes anew. Angels high above sang, “Shepherds go from here, your souls filled with peace and hearts so full of cheer. In Bethlehem you’ll find the Lamb so dear. Noël nouvelet, noël chantons ici.” [Christmas news, let us sing of Christmas here.] Once in Bethlehem they found the infant Son, Joseph, and Mary, gathered all as one. He lay in a manger instead of a bed. Noël nouvelet, noël chantons ici. Soon the kings led by the bright and shining star came from the Eastern lands which were so far. Bringing their gifts of gold and incense rare. Noël nouvelet. Here we sing noël. |
What Cheer?
Words: English carol, 16th century
Music: Kyle S. Haugen (b. 1973)
Shannon Spicciati, oboe
| Chorus: What cheer? Good cheer! Good cheer! Good cheer! Be merry and glad this good New Year! Lift up your heartës and be glad! In Christës birth the angel bade; Say each to other, if any be sad: (chorus) Now the King of heaven His birth hath take, Joy and mirth we ought to make! Say each to other, for his sake: (chorus) I tell you all with heart so free, Right welcome ye be all to me. Be glad and merry for charity! (chorus) The goodman of this place in fere You to be merry he prayeth you here; And with good heart he doth to you say: (chorus) |
-A brief pause-
Noël X
Louis-Claude Daquin (1694–1772)
Kyle Haugen, organ
Shout for Joy!
Words: Traditional African American spiritual
Music: arr. André J. Thomas (b. 1952)
| Shout for joy! The angels shout for joy! Shout for joy! All nations shout for joy. Mary had a baby… Born in a stable… Chorus: He was the Prince of Peace, Mighty Counselor, Lord of Lords, King of Kings. Laid Him in a manger… Named Him King-a Jesus… (chorus) Shepherds came to see Him… Wise men brought him presents… Herod tried to find Him… They went away to Egypt… (chorus) Mary rode a donkey… Joseph walked beside them… Angels watchin’ over… Oh, Lord… (chorus) Shout for joy! The angels shout for joy! Shout for joy! All nations shout for joy. Shout for joy! On Christmas Day we shout for joy. Shout for joy! Shout for joy! |
Noel
Words: English carol, 19th century
Music: Naomi LaViolette (b. 1976)
Sponsored by Chris Hall:
“Dedicated to Laura Page, my ‘Mom 2’ . . .
a beautiful song for a beautiful lady who means the world to me.”
| The first Noel the angel did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay. In fields where they lay keeping their sheep On a cold winter’s night that was so deep. Noel, 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. Noel, Born is the King of Israel! Noel. |
Carols with Choir, Audience, and Organ
Please join to sing where indicated (boldface type).
| The First Noel All: The first Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay, in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter’s night that was so deep. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel. Choir: 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. All: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, 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. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing in alternation with Angels We Have Heard on High All: Hark! The herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn king; Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.” Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies With th’angelic host proclaim “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king!” Choir: Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o’er the plains, And the mountains in reply, Echoing their joyous strains, Gloria in excelsis Deo. All: Christ, by highest heav’n adored Christ, the everlasting Lord, Late in time behold Him come Offspring of a virgin’s womb: Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail th’incarnate Deity Pleased as Man with us to dwell Jesus, our Emmanuel Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king!” Choir: Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King. Gloria in excelsis Deo. All: Hail the Heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Ris’n with healing in His wings; Mild He lays His glory by Born that we no more may die Born to raise us from the earth Born to give us second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king!” |
African Noel
Words: Traditional Liberian folk song
Music: André J. Thomas
| Sing Noel sing we all Noel. O come, ye people, gather here To hear the news of good cheer. The King of kings, the Lamb of God is born today in Bethlehem. Sing Noel. |
Lead, Kindly Light
Words: John Henry Newman (1801–1890)
Music: John Rutter (b. 1945)
| Lead, kindly light, amid the encircling gloom, Lead thou me on; The night is dark, and I am far from home, Lead thou me on. Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see The distant scene; one step enough for me. |
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