Advent 2024: Wed 4 Dec
In dulci jubilo
This carol is a mixture of English and Latin. It can be found across Europe, using native language but the same Latin text. The image below shows a Swedish version. If you can follow the music dots you’ll recognise the tune that absolutely everyone knows it by. I suppose that we could join in with this carol, at least partially, wherever it is sung! This mixed style is described as macaronic. Goodness knows why.
There is always a need for poetic licence in translation, as words do not fit nor necessarily rhyme when translating verse from one language to another. It is not always possible to capture original meanings and rhyme at the same time. Stille Nacht is a case in point. We’ll look at that in a few days.
The tune was used as the basis for a range of compositions by various composers. Bach arranged it as an organ piece and for choir.
In dulci jubilo [in sweet rejoicing]
Let us our homage shew:
Our heart’s joy reclineth
In praesepio; [manger]
And like a bright star shineth
Matris in gremio, [in the mother’s lap]
Alpha es et O! [you are Alpha and Omega]
O Jesu parvule, [little Jesus – Jesulein(Ger.)]
My heart is sore for Thee!
Hear me, I beseech Thee,
O puer optime; [most perfect boy]
My praying let it reach Thee,
O princeps gloriae. [prince of glory]
Trahe me post te. [lead me to follow you]
O patris caritas! [Father’s kindness]
O Nati lenitas! [gentleness of birth (!)]
Deeply were we stained.
Per nostra crimina: [by our sins]
But Thou for us hast gained
Coelorum gaudia, [joy of heaven]
Qualis gloria! [what glory!]
Ubi sunt gaudia, [where are joys]
If that they be not there?
There are Angels singing
Nova cantica; [new songs]
And there the bells are ringing
In Regis curia. [in the king’s palace]
O that we were there!
The carol was arranged for a double choir by R.L. Pearsall (early 19th century), and it is a favourite of choral singers. It has a very reverent style, but the tune may be as well expressed in a more lively manner, as in Good Christian men, rejoice!
A noisy rendition:
https://youtu.be/kTDaqb89TOI?si=DKB0QJrP8G4ABIOx
A quieter one:
https://youtu.be/2gK3yH1mGcE?si=loYwyIyvg_ToxgEN
How do you feel if a carol you know is sung to a different tune?
Paul