A traditional Christmas carol, arranged for a classical orchestra, led by interchanging wind instrument, harp and vibraphone solos, wistful and sentimental in mood, well-suited for visual scenarios imbued with the festive spirit of the Christmas season and the Winter holidays.
Acknowledgments of the public domain and/or creative commons licenses: music by an unknown author (16 c.) and lyrics by William Chatterton Dix (1837-1898).
WHAT CHILD IS THIS?
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 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.
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.