We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

What Child Is This?

from Let It Snow by Brian Blume

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $1 USD  or more

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

about

"What Child Is This" was written by English poet and lay theologian William Chatterton Dix as a poem entitled "The Manger Throne." It was first used as a hymn text in Sir John Stainer's Christmas Carols New and Old, 1871. It's well-known tune, Greensleeves, is a traditional English ballad dating back to the 1580s.

While some versions of Greensleeves include a minor 6th (in this case E-flat) for the melody, I prefer the major scale degree 6 (E-natural), as I believe it gives the tune a more traditional character.

lyrics

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!

Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, 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!

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 the song on high!
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy! joy! for Christ is born,
The babe, the son of Mary!

credits

from Let It Snow, released November 19, 2012
Words by William Chatterson Dix
Music: 16th c. traditional

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Brian Blume image

Brian Blume Washington, D.C.

Composer, percussionist, and educator, Brian currently serves as Assistant Professor of Percussion at Southeastern University (Lakeland, FL). As a composer, Brian has works published by Tapspace, drop6, and PercMaster. Brian earned MM and BM degrees in performance from Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music. ... more

contact / help

Contact Brian Blume

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Redeem code

Report this track or account

Brian Blume recommends:

If you like Brian Blume, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Fabiana Palladino stops by to talk about her mesmeric debut LP.
listen now