In 2005 I created my first Solstice Sampler. I am reserving that one for Solstice Eve, so today we skip ahead to 2006.
Special treat alert: Also, today after my sampler-making reminiscence I have a special, special treat - a story, not an essay. It is a humorous (and I hope not too heretical) story that I wrote for the Sampler called The Christmas Angels which tells the Nativity story from a different perspective. With the story I include information about the songs and tunes so that you can see how they related to each other.
Playlist:
The Salutation of the Angel Gabriel New York Pro Musica Antigua 2:44
Lullay the Son of Mary Gerry Armstrong 2:10
A Christmas Round Chanticleer 1:27
O Sapientia à 5 Pomerium 1:30
Angels We Have Heard On High The Roches 1:25
Blow Your Trumpet Gabriel Maddy Prior 2:54
Russiche Vesper Iwan Rebroff 3:15
Music notes
The Salutation of the Angel Gabriel This anonymous late medieval English carole dance song was recorded by the New York Pro Musica Antigua ensemble in 1953. That was shortly after the group had been founded by its choral director Noah Greenberg and recorder player Bernard Krainis. The group disbanded in 1974. I got this recording from a 1997 compilation CD of their music called English Medieval Christmas Carols. This particular song must have been a 15th century hit because it is documented in many manuscripts and collections. You can read the lyrics here in both Middle English and a translation.
Lullay the Son of Mary This song in the style of a German cradle song has lyrics written by Gerry Armstrong building upon the Joseph verse that had been written by Bob Gibson. It is set to the melody of Resonet in Laudibus found in Jacobus Finno’s songbook Piae Cantiones first published in 1582. It must have been another very popular tune in medieval times because it has been found in various other sources going back as far as 1360.
We now most commonly recognize this melody as being Joseph, lieber Joseph mein (Joseph dearest, Joseph mine) a lullaby sung by the Virgin Mary in a medieval mystery play that flourished around Leipzig, Germany in the early 1500s. I got this 1983 recording from the album The Wheel of Year which is subtitled Thirty Years with the Armstrong Family.
A Christmas Round This brief round was written by the English composer John Taverner (c.1490 – 1545.) The text is apparently from the Russian Orthodox liturgy for Christmas Day. Nothing is known of Taverner's activities before 1524. He appears to have come from the East Midlands, but there is no indication of his parentage. In 1526 as a protégé of Cardinal Woolsey he was appointed first organist and master of choir for Christ Church, Oxford. When Woolsey fell out of political favour, Taverner fell with him. He was reprimanded for having been involved with Lutherans, but escaped further punishment by being "but a musitian".
This recording by the vocal ensemble Chanticleer is from their 2001 album Christmas with Chanticleer.
O Sapientia à 5 With this selection we move from the medieval period into the renaissance. This of one of the liturgy’s Latin “O” anthems written for five voices by the Scottish-born composer and organist Robert Ramsey (1590s – 1644.) Ramsey was from a family of court musicians to King James VI of Scotland and he followed him to London when he became King James I of England. It is performed here by the early music vocal ensemble Pomerium and is from their 1997 album Old World Christmas.
Angels We Have Heard On High This selection is a huge jump forward in time from the Renaissance to 19th century France where it is known as Les anges dan nos compagnes. It was described as being “an old noël from Lorraine” in a 1867 French song collection but scholars have been unable to trace it back to earlier than 1842 when it appeared in a book of newly-written songs.
This is really just a standard arrangement for the now-familiar Christmas song except that the New Jersey sister trio of Suzzy, Maggie and Terre Roche feature the alto harmony counter-melody rather than the soprano melody line. It is from The Roche’s 1984 album We Three Kings.
Blow Your Trumpet Gabriel Maddy Prior sings this song with drumming by Liam Genockey. The recording is from the 2004 Steeleye Span album Winter. That album’s liner notes say that Maddy first learned the song from the singing of Alex Atterly, latterly of Norwich. I haven’t been able to track it back further than that.
Russiche Vesper In my both The Christmas Angels story and in the progression of songs on my on Sampler this is the voice of God. Actually, it is the voice of German-born Ivan Rebroff singing a Latin song from the Russian Orthodox Church’s Christmas Day liturgy. It is from the English language cover and liner notes version of his 2004 album Christmas with Ivan Rebroff that had been recorded in the Netherlands. Rebroff performed professionally from 1967 until 2008, the year he died.
Sampler-making recollections
Musically, my 2006 Christmas Music Sampler is somewhat similar to my previous Nativity compilations. It is structured into musical movements (and a prologue and epilogue), beginning with early music in approximately chronological progression.
One of the movements is a large set of choral songs. That is unusual for my samplers: I tend to prefer the intimate mood and clarity that you get from solo performers, duets and small groups rather than the big blended sound that comes from a larger choir. But the rest has my usual diversity, including a Hebrew cantillation, shape-note singing, Renaissance polyphony, gospel and folk-rock.
But by far the biggest difference in 2006 was the liner notes. There really aren’t any other than a return to a very brief statement about the origin of the song or tune. Instead, this sampler is accompanied by a humourous version of the Nativity story that I call The Christmas Angels. It is mostly told in dialog in a series of vignettes that relate to the song or tune that they accompany.
This is just about the only non-fiction that I have ever written, and I can’t remember what moved me to write it. I think that I probably had a few silly story ideas that went along with a couple of the songs. But as I wrote the opening to the story I found that I was creating real personalities. Before long, those angel characters were writing the dialog for their vignettes. All I had to do was make sure I found appropriate songs in my Nativity music candidate files to fit with their story they wanted to tell.
I really like the story and the characters who inhabit it, but the jocular tone conflicts somewhat with the beautiful and mostly reverent songs that I chose to accompany the vignettes.
The Christmas Angels
The scene: The archangels’ clubhouse garden in Heaven about 2800 years ago
Gabriel and Rafael were strolling through the garden. "He's up to something," said Gabriel.
"Yes, I've noticed that too," said Rafael. "He, Mike and Isaiah have been hunkered down together for days now. I think it has something to do with the People Project."
They both shuddered.
Sofiel looked up from gardening. "What a fiasco! He should have stuck with those nice dinosaurs. Those ‘people’ have been nothing but trouble. And I wish He hadn't made them look so much like us. But with no wings. Its creepy!"
"Well, it might have worked out if He hadn't decided to get experimental at the same time," said Gabriel.
"Hey, I was just joking when I suggested that He conduct an exploration into His divine capacity for 'infinite impatience'!" said Rafael. "Thank goodness that didn't last long."
"Didn't last long? Tell that to Job! Or that fellow Lot's wife!"
Sofiel looked up again. "Personally, I still feel bad about snitching on that first one just because they took an apple from the garden I made for them."
"And God still broods about the People Project as unfinished business," said Gabriel. "I hope that whatever He has in mind will put an end to the whole thing."
Music – Isaiah's prophesy / The Sybil's prophesy (Iudicii signum)
Joel Cohen and Mark Baker
A Hebrew cantillation of Isaiah 9:6 and a 10th century rendition of a Greek prophesy
The scene: God’s throne room in Heaven, about 2020 years ago
The archangels waited nervously. Michael had gathered them all together. "God has a big announcement to make," he had said. He wouldn't say anything more.
But when God came in He had a big smile on His face, much to the angels' relief. He was accompanied by Isaiah, who didn't have a smile on his face. But then, he never did.
"Congratulate me!" said God, as He handed them each a big cigar. "I'm going to be a Father. Isaiah has a plan for getting the People Project back on track. I've made a human girl named Mary pregnant. She's going to bear me a Son."
The angels all looked at Him silently in amazement. It wasn't a look of disbelieving. Nobody ever disbelieved anything God said.
Finally Rafael laughed out: "Why you old deity! I bet that You
were inspired by those Greek myths. What were you? A swan? A bull?"
"Oh, come on," said God. "You know me. I'm much too classy for that. In fact, I wasn't even there. It was one of my, ...umm, ... you know, ... miracle things."
"What does this Mary person think about all this?" asked Gabriel.
God looked at Michael. Michael looked at Isaiah. Isaiah, as usual, continued to look gloomy.
"You did tell her didn't you?" Said Michael
"Well, we've been busy," said God. "You're right. I suppose I should go down and tell her."
"You can't do that!" said Isaiah looking shocked. "Remember the Plan? You have to stay here in Heaven the whole time."
"I guess I could go break the news to her," said Michael.
"No." said God, and everyone else looked relieved. "You're a fine warrior and guardian, Mike, but you're just not a very good diplomat. Remember that time I sent you with a message for the dragons?"
"He attacked me! With fire!" said Michael defensively.
"No, " said God, "that wasn't an attack. He just burped.”
God continued: “Gabriel, you go tell her. In fact, I think I'll put you in charge of celestial-Mary liaison. You'll like her. She's a good kid. But we're keeping the whole thing low-key. My Son is going to grow up as a regular human. Isaiah can fill you in on the details. Report to me in two days how you are going to tell her."
O Sapientia – Gregorian Chant Antiphon
Monks of the Monastery Santo Domingo de Silos 1958
One of the Advent "O" series of antiphons interpreting Isaiah's prophesies
Two days later:
All of Heaven was a-buzz. "Why?" was the big question on everyone's minds, and God wasn't talking. He just referred the angels to Isaiah for explanations. That didn't help. No one ever understood anything that Isaiah said.
Michael wasn't any help either. He would just say: "It's theology. You wouldn't understand." Most assumed that Michael didn't understand it either. Some wondered if even God could comprehend Isaiah's plans and prophesies.
So the throne room was filled with angels when Gabriel came to say goodbye before embarking on his mission to Mary.
"So, did you write a good Annunciation speech?" asked God.
"It's a great one. Really smooth - it even rhymes. Rafael's been helping me with it."
Gabriel didn't think it important to mention that in exchange for Rafael's help he had agreed that Rafael would be able to go down to Earth to see the baby. In fact, ever since word had gotten out about his new assignment Gabriel was being flooded with offers of support. Everyone wanted to be among the first to see the baby Son of God.
"I've decided to preface it with a trumpet fanfare,” continued Gabriel. “That will underline the import of the message, and add a bit of je ne sais quoi to the occasion."
All of Heaven had been hearing Gabriel practice on the trumpet for eons. You usually can't become a full member of the Heralds until you pass the trumpet examination. Ambriel had been trying to teach Gabriel how to play the instrument ever since God had put Gabriel in charge of the Heralds. Everyone knew that Ambriel was Heaven's best music teacher, and Gabriel was certainly an enthusiastic student.
Everyone also knew why Gabriel had never been able to pass the Herald's trumpet exam. It wasn't for lack of trying. All of the angels agreed that Gabriel's trumpet playing could be very trying.
"That would be je ne sais quoi all right," said God. "Forget the trumpet, Gabriel. It's not really right for this occasion. But I do think that music would be a nice touch. Sing the speech to her. She'll like that."
"But I can't sing," said Gabriel.
"Nonsense," said God, "everyone can sing!"
The Salutation of the Angel Gabriel
The New York Pro Musica Antigua
authentic 15th century English carole dance songs
Scene - the archangel clubhouse later that day
Gabriel returned from the Annunciation filled with excitement. "She is amazing, Rafael! Of course, it took a while for her to understand what I was singing about. She just stood there enjoying the music. She asked me to sing it again so she could focus on the lyrics. Then she started to get the gist of it that she's going to be a mother, but I think that the 'Mother of God' aspect still hadn't really sunk in yet.
"She wanted to consult the auguries about when the babe should be born," Gabriel continued. "That's when I told her that she's already pregnant. That took her back a bit! She asked me to sing it again.
"After that she gave me a rather nice off-the-cuff acceptance speech as her official for-the-record reply. Then she started in with a long list of conditions. Wow! She's a natural negotiator, that girl.
“Her first condition was that since her pregnancy didn't start out the usual way, it shouldn't end in the usual way either with pain and danger during childbirth. I sure couldn't argue with that one.
"I was afraid that Mary would want a palace, and riches, and servants, etc. But no, she likes God's Plan that the child should grow up incognito in a regular family without all that stuff. She said that she wouldn't know how to be a queen anyway, and from what she's heard about King Herod's court she wouldn't want to hang around with that crowd.
“But she did insist that there be enough money for the boy to go to Rabbi School. She was quite firm about that one. I told her that I don't have anything allocated for that in my project budget but I promised that I'd work on it."
"Well," said Rafael, "if you want to keep that promise you'd better wait to tell God about it sometime when He's in a really good mood. He'd just ask Isaiah about it, and Isaiah would probably say: 'That's not in The Plan.'"
"Good point!" replied Gabriel, and he continued: "She wanted to have the baby at home with her mother Anne in attendance, but I couldn't budge on that one. Isaiah has been quite insistent that the baby must be born in some obscure little place call ‘Bethlehem’. So she's going to go there with her betrothed, Joseph, as a honeymoon. I haven't met him yet, but she says he's a great guy. A carpenter, apparently.
“She asked for a donkey to ride there. She really likes donkeys and has wanted one ever since she was a little girl. That's probably not part of The Plan either, but I’ve already said yes."
Gabriel from Heven-King (Angelus ad Virginem)
The Martin Best Ensemble
Middle English carole; brought to England by French Franciscans in 13th century
Scene - ten minutes later
"Ambriel," said Gabriel, "God was right. Mary does like music. She even likes my singing."
"She sounds like a charming young lady with refined tastes," said Ambriel.
Gabriel continued, "She wants me to bring my trumpet down and play it for her."
"I thought you said said that she likes music?"
"But here's the good news. She wants to have lullaby singing lessons. She says that she can't sing. I told her: 'Nonsense! I have it on good authority that everyone can sing.' So how about it? Do you want another student?"
"That sounds like great fun!" replied Ambriel. "When do I start?"
"Since she's not going to have the baby at home anyway, we agreed that her being 'with child' would set tongue's wagging in Nazareth. So she's going on a trip to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Apparently, Elizabeth is pregnant too. So you could accompany her on the trip and give lullaby lessons to both of them. You'll like Mary. She's a good kid."
A Madre do que a bestia (abridged)
Belinda Sykes and Ensemble Unicorn
Marian miracle song from the 13th century Galacian codex Cantigas de Santa Maria; Mary helps a poor widow recover a stolen lamb that is hidden in the flock of an unscrupulous neighbour
Mary’s cousin Elizabeth’s home in Hebron
".... and I'm so excited, Lizzy. He's probably going to be a Rabbi! And I’m going to get a donkey!"
"How are you going to tell Joseph?"
"About the donkey?"
"No, Mary. You know what I mean."
Mary's brow furled. "Oh, I hadn't thought about that." She thought about it for a bit. "Hey, maybe I could get Gabe to tell him. After all, that's how I found out."
"That's not a good idea, Mary."
"No, I suppose you’re right."
The Truth from Above
Barry & Beth Hall
English traditional; in 18th century broadsheets; also collected by Cecil Sharp from Shropshire in 1911
The archangel clubhouse
"Rafael, what am I going to do? Isaiah says that the birth absolutely has to take place in Bethlehem. But Mike says that the town is a security nightmare. It's crawling with folks descended from King David, and you remember what a scoundrel he was! Besides, I've seen the inn there. What a dump!"
"I wonder if there is some wiggle room in Isaiah's prophesy," mused Rafael. "Perhaps the baby could be born someplace out in the countryside, near Bethlehem."
"Hey, that's brilliant! Some nice country estate. Lots of fresh air and privacy. I wonder what's available on short notice?"
The Friendly Beasts (instrumental)
Maggie Sansone and Ensemble Galilei
Written by Robert Davis circa 1930
Scene: in front of the stable about eight months later
"Don't worry, Mary," said Joseph as they both gazed at the stable. "This place might seem like a pretty sorry sight now, but it isn't as bad as it looks. Actually, it's in decent shape. A bit run down, sure, but a good design, with sound wood and good craftsmanship. Why, I couldn't have built it better myself! And the price is right. I told the owner that I’m a carpenter and we made a deal. We can stay here for free as long as we need to, and all I need to do is fix it up a bit."
Joseph continued, speaking more to himself than to Mary: "I'll start with mucking the place out. Then I'll bring in a bunch of fresh straw. Then I'll get to work on the holes in the roof. No, wait, I'll fix the holes then get the straw. By tomorrow it will be nicer than that so-called Inn in town. What a dump!"
"Well, it will be nice being out here in the country," said Mary. "Just the three of us -- you, and me, and our donkey."
"Don't forget the baby."
"Oh, yes. And the baby."
"And didn't you say that Ambriel was coming for the birth?"
"Oh, yeah," said Mary. "Oh! And Gabe promised to send down a couple of doulas -- child-birthing angels -- to help me out. I forgot about them too. Okay, so it's just you, me, our baby, Ambriel, and the child-birthing angels. And our donkey."
"Well, I'll get to work on the remodeling. Don't have the baby until I'm done!"
Sing We the Virgin Mary
The Taverner Consort 1998
either collected or written by John Jacob Niles, in America in the early 20th century
Scene: in the stable two days later
"Joe, isn't he beautiful?" They gazed in wonder at the little babe lying in his cozy manger.
"He's got my nose," said Joseph, "I wonder why God did that. He could have put any nose that He wanted on the little guy, but God gave him a big schnozz like mine. The poor little fellow."
"I love your nose," said Mary.
Lullay the Son of Mary (Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine)
Gerry Armstrong 1983
melody - German cradle song Resonet in Laudibus from the 15th century; “new” lyrics by Gerry Armstrong
A few hours later
"Hi, Gabe," said Mary. "Its nice to see you. So, you've come down to see my baby. Want to hold him?"
"Oh, I just stopped by to see if there is anything you need. But I suppose I could take a peek while I'm here. I've got a little song I'd like to sing for Him."
"Hey! You don't have your trumpet. I still haven't heard you play it, you know."
"I was going to bring it, but a strange thing happened. I was having my weekly lesson with Ambriel and I mentioned that I was going to play you that fanfare I've been practicing for the exam. Then Israfel, one of the Heralds, came in and told Ambriel that it was time to come down for your birth. Things got hectic at that point. Then later I couldn't find my trumpet anywhere. I can't imagine where I left it."
Holy Angels
The Three Altos
written by Sara Thompsen of Duluth, Minnesota (one of the Three Altos)
Outside the stable a few hours later
"Hi, you must be Joseph. I'm Uriel. Gabriel said that you need a bit of help with some renovations."
"Thanks, I could use a hand. Mary and the baby won’t be able to travel for a while and I'm thinking about building an addition out back. For the hot tub."
“You're putting a hot tub in this stable?"
"The child-birthing angels made a hot water spring up from the ground because they needed hot water. I can’t let an opportunity like that go to waste."
"I could help you with the design for the addition. I'm an architect. Or, rather, an archangeltect. I designed Heaven's Pearly Gates. I know that you haven't seen them yet, but I'm pretty proud of them."
"I don't think that I need a designer for a lean-to. I just wanted someone to help with the lifting."
"A lean-to, eh. I can appreciate the understated, rustic look. ‘Less is more’ and all that. But is that really the right sort of style you want for an addition to the home, albeit temporary, of the Son of God?"
"Why, do you have any other ideas?"
"Well, how about something in Carpenter Gothic?"
Joseph est bien marié
Suzie LeBlanc and Les Voix Humaines
French traditional & Jean-François Dandrieu (1682-1738); arr. by Susie Napper
Meanwhile in heaven
"Rafael, do you like gardening?" asked Gabriel.
"Why do you ask?"
"Well, Sofiel told me that Uriel said that God said that we should send down some gardening angels to help Mary. It beats me why they need gardeners. I suppose that Uriel's begun another landscaping project. But this could be your excuse to go down as Sofiel’s helper.
"In that case, I love gardening."
Es ist ein Ros entsprungen
The Toronto Consort
German traditional arranged by Michael Praetorius (1571-1621)
Meanwhile, God was throwing the biggest party that Heaven had ever seen.
"Double grog for everyone!" God shouted.
"Wow," said Michael to Rafael, as he reached for another helping of manna. "He is in a good mood! He hasn't issued double grog since He designed the panda bears."
After the grog was issued the archangels got down to brainstorming about how they were going to raise the money for the Rabbi School education fund that Gabriel had promised Mary. Angels don't carry cash. Later, no one could remember whose idea the Sign in the Heavens had been.
Perhaps it was one of those ideas that just kept growing as they discussed it. More likely, it's that no one would admit to it. Only two things are certain: Isaiah wasn't around to say that it wasn't part of The Plan, and God did say that it was okay for the angels to do it. So Metatron and Zagzagel set forth in “The Shining Star”.
And that is how high in the sky above Babylon wondrous sight appeared - a blimp, glowing in the night. On its side there was large lettering in an obscure script known only to the Magi. It read: "Follow me to see the baby King of the Jews. Bring gifts. Don't tell Herod."
Meanwhile
"Gabe," said Michael, "what's this about you sending Sofiel and Rafael down to guard the baby? You do remember who the ranking Guardian is, don't you?"
"Guard the baby?" Gabriel looked confused. "Oh, wait, I see. God wanted Guardian angels. That does make more sense. Sofiel said that Uriel told her to tell me that God said: "Send down gardening angels."
"I suspect that Sofiel sometimes hears what Sofiel wants to hear." said Michael.
"Or it could have been Uriel," said Gabriel. Uriel's gotten carried away with landscaping projects before, you know. Remember Pearlygate?"
Michael continued: "Anyway, it doesn’t matter any more. I just got an opportunity for all of us Archs to go see the baby. It’s straight from God. Since half of us are already down there anyway, I asked Him if the Archangel Choir could go sing some lullabies for His Son. And God said, yes!"
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Johnny Coppins 1990
lyrics - written in 1868 by American Episcopal clergyman Phillips Brooks; melody collected in 1833 from Cornwall by William Sandys, who believed it to be of medieval origin
Meanwhile
"God," said Jehoel, the director of the Seraphim choir, "I have composed a new choral arrangement especially in honour of the birth of your divine Son. The Seraphim -- voted 'Best Choir in Heaven' for seven straight eons -- request the privilege of singing this new composition for the baby Jesus."
O Sapientia
Pomerium
Renaissance version of the "O " antiphon on track 2; by Robert Ramsay (1595-1644)
A Christmas Round by John Taverner
Chanticleer
by John Taverner; text is from the Russian Orthodox liturgy for Christmas Day (January 6)
About an hour later at the party, which was getting smaller
“Gabriel" said Israfel, the Heralds' music director, "We are all so proud of the great job you did on the Annunciation project that we have decided to make you a full Herald even though you haven't passed the trumpet exam."
"Why, thank you very much. That means a lot coming from you guys. That project did go well, but I couldn't have done it without the support that you all have given me. We're a good team."
"That's how we feel too," said Israfel. We are a good team. That's why we would appreciate it if you, teammate, would ask God to let us Heralds go down to play our trumpets and sing for the baby."
"Well, I’m pretty sure that He won’t let you play your trumpets tonight," answered Gabriel. "I mentioned that I was going to bring mine down to play for Mary and the baby, but He said that it isn't the most baby-soothing of instruments. For that matter, I'm not sure about the singing either. It's getting rather crowded down there, but I'll see what I can do."
Vive le Roi (brass instrumental)
Cambridge Symphonic Brass Ensemble
by Franco-Flemish composer Josquin des Près, circa 1502Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (abridged)
Psalmody
words by Charles Wesley, preacher, hymnist and co-founder of Methodism, 1739; setting by English composer Samuel Arnold; published in 1791
Meanwhile
"The Dominions and Thrones have a choir too? When did you guys start a choir?" asked God.
"Since a few minutes ago when we heard that You are letting angel choirs go down and sing for your baby Son." answered Hamaliel.
"But, ..., ahh, ...., Dominions and Thrones don't sing," said God.
The Dominions and Thrones were prepared for that, and they had a response. They recited in unison: "And the Lord God said unto the Archangel Gabriel: 'Nonsense! Everyone can sing!' So sayeth the Lord."
And meanwhile at the stable
"Okay, all of you listen to me, please," shouted Joseph. "Mary and I are really enjoying your music. But the baby's asleep now, and Mary and I need to get some sleep too. But we don't want you to break up the party -- just go over to the natural bowl that's on the other side of that hill over there. Ambriel says that it's got great acoustics. You can sing away to your angelic hearts' content, and we'll appreciate the distant music until we drift off to sleep."
What Joseph did not know was that it was the night for the weekly gathering of the BSSCCDS -- the Bethlehem Shepherd and Shepherdess Community Choir and Debating Society, and that the natural bowl with great acoustics was where they always met.
Boston. For Christmas (abridged)
The Tudor Choir
words by English poet Isaac Watts, 1707; set by Boston choirmaster William Billings in 1770
Hail the Memorable Morn
The Pro Arte Singers
written by Shaker elders Issachar Bates and Richard McNemar in Watervliet, Ohio, circa 1832
"First," said Rachel, the president of the BSSCCDS, "I would like to thank the angels for the fine grog that they brought to share with us." The shepherds cheered in agreement. Michael replied on behalf of the angels with what they had learned was the traditional shepherd toast: "Keep your sheep!"
The angels had been surprised to find that the bowl was already occupied by people who were getting ready to sing. Joseph had clearly sent them there with instructions to sing. Angels are used to following orders, but they had not yet figured out where a Foster Father of God fit into the celestial hierarchy.
Any lingering doubts they might have had about fraternizing and singing with the people had been assuaged when they found out that these particular people's job description was that they were guardians for sheep. The angels reasoned that shepherds must therefore be something like angels; that angels were therefore something like shepherds; and that shepherds must therefore be entitled to participate in the double-grog ration.
"Now," Rachel continued, "it has been duly moved and seconded that we should perform a shepherd and angel stable concert for the holy family at 9:00 AM Bethlehem Standard Time, tomorrow. This will entail practicing all night. We are now ready for the vote. All in favour signify by saying ‘Alleluia’.”
While Shepherds Watched their Flocks (Pentonville; abridged)
Patrons of the Royal Hotel Pub, Dungworth
18th century West Gallery song; a hymnal dropout that survived by being sung in English pubs
Meanwhile
In the sky over Babylon, Metatron and Zagzagel were making one final low pass over the city in "The Shining Star" before beginning the flight back to Bethlehem.
Star in the East (Brightest and Best, abridged)
Joel Frederiksen
traditional Appalachian song; lyrics by Reginal Heber, vicar of the small village of Hodnet, in Shropshire, published in 1811;
"Hey, Met," said Zagzagel, "Let's open 'er up and see what this baby can do."
"We can't," replied Metatron. "We have to fly slow so the camels and donkeys can keep up."
"Well, at this rate it will take us a good twelve days to get back to Bethlehem."
Orientis Partibus
The Waverly Consort
12th century French (Beauvais) conductus (liturgical processional)
About 12 days later
"I have brought a gift of frankincense." said Balthazar.
"Why, thank you, your Magisty," said Mary. That will come in very handy when I’m changing the Little Fellow’s swaddling bands."
"And I have brought a gift of myrrh," said Caspar.
Mary looked at the little brown lumps apprehensively.
"It's a really good medicine, Mary. Myrrh stimulates the immune system, and it is very good for coughs, colds, or stomach flu. It is very versatile - makes great toothpaste and mouthwash. Why, it can even be used for embalming."
"And I have brought a gift of gold." said Melchior.
Mary's eyes lit up. "My son is going to be a Rabbi!"
Three Kings Are Here
Artisan
Flemish traditional; translated by Robert Graves; arranged by Brian Bedford (Artisan's tenor)
A week later
Mary, Joseph and the Magi were relaxing in the hot tub. Through the arched windows they had a fine view of flocks grazing in the fields. A half dozen angels were helping Uriel finish the fence and gate he and Joseph had designed to complement the "Bethlehem vernacular rustic motif " architectural style of the stable, and to keep the livestock out of Sofiel’s terraced garden.
Off in the fields with the flocks there were clusters of angels and shepherds writing and swapping songs -- songs about angels and shepherds. Jehoel was trying to gather up the Seraphim for a choir practice, but wasn’t having any luck enticing them away from their new friends.
Angels We Have Heard on High
The Roches
18th century French, traditional; a standard arrangement, but featuring the alto harmony
"I don't suppose you will be needing that pack donkey for the trip back?" Mary asked the Magi. "He seems to have formed a close emotional bond with my donkey, and it would be a shame to have to separate them."
"Hey, stop that you two!" Balthazar shouted at the donkeys, to no avail.
"I must admit that I would appreciate the extra donkey-power for the cart that we're making for our trip to Egypt." said Joseph. "It turns out that Uriel's idea of a donkey cart is somewhat more elaborate than I had in mind. He calls it '14th dynasty revival with neo-Hittite influences' and says that the Egyptians are going to be real impressed."
"We promise to take good care of him," added Mary.
"Of course you can have the donkey," said Caspar. "You're going to love Egypt, Mary. The climate's great, they've got a lovely river, and the architecture is fabulous!"
"And Joseph, wood is rare and exotic there," said Melchior. "They really appreciate good carpenters in Egypt. They treat them like goldsmiths."
"And best of all," said Caspar, "Herod can't go there -- the Egyptians can't stand the fellow."
The Miraculous Harvest
Nowell Sing We Clear
traditional English (Surrey) ballad (aka Gypsies' Carol and King Pharaoh); in a c. 1450 manuscript
One weeks later
"Okay, okay," said God, "you can have a big goodbye party with Joseph and Mary before they arrive in Egypt. Make yourselves a nice little oasis down in Sinai for the occasion. I know just the spot; I was down there once disguised as a burning bush. It is far from anywhere, so there are no neighbours to disturb. But after the party, that's it! You are all going to come back to Heaven and give my Son and his family some peace and quiet. They're going to settle down and lead a normal life together."
'Twas a Wonder in Heaven
The Seeger and MacColl families
in "Slave Songs of the United States" published in 1867
Two days later in an oasis on the Sinai Peninsula
"Hi, Gabe!" called Mary. "Great party, eh? Hey, I just heard from Rafael that you have been awarded the title 'Herald of the Millennium' for your Annunciation song. Congratulations!"
"Thank you," replied Gabriel. "They tell me it is a very big honour. Apparently I am the first one ever."
"Say, where's your trumpet? You promised to bring it and play that Nativity Fanfare you've been working on. I keep hearing about your trumpet playing. All of the angels tell me that your playing is unique and a source of wonder. Rafael says that you are the most famous trumpeter in all of Heaven. And according to Ambriel, your playing brings tears to the eyes of everyone who hears you."
"I was going to bring it, Mary. Really I was. But just as I was leaving Heaven to come to the party a bunch of Heralds came and took it. They said that they have an ancient tradition that whenever someone is named Herald of the Millennium their trumpet must immediately be put into the Herald Hall of Fame. Funny, I didn't even know that there was a Herald Hall of Fame."
Glory to the Newborn King
The Angelic Gospel Singers
probably written by Margaret Allison ca. 1991
"Well, I think it's disgraceful," shouted Jehoel to Ambriel, trying to be heard over the party's din. "No one wants to sing with dignity and precision anymore. They all want to sound like ... like ... like people! Even my Seraphim are abandoning their harps and forming those silly 'angel bands'."
"Not everyone is trying to sound like people," replied Ambriel. "Rafael told the Cherubim how much Mary likes donkeys, so now they are practicing a new "Heee Haaw" song. Anyway, I think that these new styles of music are fun!"
That didn't stop Jehoel's rant: "The standard of angel singing has absolutely collapsed ever since we were exposed to that bunch of sheepherders. Now everyone wants to act like a shepherd, dress like a shepherd, and sing like a shepherd."
It wasn't obvious if Ambriel was still listening. Or anyone else for that matter. They were all clapping their hands, flapping their wings, and tapping their new crooks to the music.
Children, Go Where I Send Thee
Smoky Mountain Singers
anonymous black spiritual probably from the 19th century; has parallels with the English folk song The Twelve Apostles and first collected by John and Alan Lomax in 1934 from singing by convicts in a Georgia prison
Meanwhile in Heaven
"It sure is lonely up here," said God. "Isaiah, explain to me again why it is so important to The Plan that I don't go down to Earth to see my Son?"
Silent Night/Hark the Heralds/While Shepherds Watched/Angels We Have Heard
Medley I compiled played on various antique music boxes and orchestrions
Symphonium, Regina and Polyphon disc musical boxes, street piano by an unidentified maker, and "The Schuyt", a 1930 Carl Frei fairground organ
About an hour later, at the party in the Sinai
"Gabe, I'm really going to miss you." Mary gave Gabriel a big hug.
"And you too, Ambriel!" sniffed Mary. Ambriel joined in the hug. "I'm going to miss all of you angels!" Big tears rolled down Mary's cheeks.
"We're going to miss you and Joe too," said Gabriel. "But God really laid down the Law this time. He's calling it his eleventh commandment. After the party there will still be Guardians to protect you, but we must be absolutely invisible. There must be no more direct angel contact with you until the baby is grown up. You, Joe, and little Jesus are going to live just like a regular family.”
Ambriel added: "Gabriel's already tried out a lot of 'what ifs' on Him, but He won't budge."
"The one thing I can do," said Gabriel, "is come and give you a signal when King Herod dies. Then it will be safe for you to return to Nazareth when there is a different ruler in Jerusalem. It will be a whole new place then."
"What will the sign be?"
"Whatever you like," said Gabriel. "In Egypt our traditional sign from Heaven is a plague of something. We can get pretty creative when it comes to plagues."
"I know!" said Mary. "Why don't you come and play a fanfare on your trumpet."
Ambriel smiled. "That sounds like a perfect signal to me."
Blow Your Trumpet Gabriel
Maddy Prior with Steeleye Span
derived from a spiritual in "Slave Songs of the United States”, published in 1867
"Hey!" said Uriel, "Look Who's come to the party!"
Rafael looked up. There was God, dressed in a stylish shepherd's cloak. "Why, You old softie! You've come down to see little Jesus didn't you? I thought that that was the one thing that You can't do."
"Yeah, where's Isaiah?" asked Uriel.
"He was following Me, trying to talk Me out of coming. So I locked him into Heaven. I've finally found a use for your gates."
"Now," continued God, "where's my Son. I've got a lullaby for him."
Russische Vesper
Iwan Rebroff
Russian Orthodox vespers song for Christmas Day
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