From the recording Apples in Winter

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In "Il Est Ne," we are blending the well-known French chorus with English verses. The French text of this carol was first published in 1875, though the tune is older, and may be based on an old Normandy hunting tune, "Tete bizarde."

The tune for "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella" was originally a 14th century ritournelle, a lively court dance in 3/4 time. The words first appeared with this tune in Cantiques de Premiere Advenement de Jesus-Christ, a collection of Christmas music published in 1553

Lyrics

Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant

Chorus: Il est ne, le divin Enfant,
Jouez, hautbois, resonnez, musettes.
Il est ne, le divin Enfant;
Chantons tous son avenement!

Through long ages of the past,
Prophets have foretold his coming.
Through long ages of the past,
Now the time has come at last.

Oh, how lovely, oh, how pure.
Is this perfect child of heaven.
Oh, how lovely, oh, how pure,
Gracious gift of humankind.

Jesus, Lord of all the earth,
Coming as a child among us.
Jesus, Lord of all the earth,
Grant to us our heav'nly peace.

Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella

Bring a torch, Jeanette, Isabella
Bring a torch, to the cradle run!
It is Jesus good folk of the village;
Christ is born and Mary's calling;
Ah! ah! beautiful is the mother.
Ah! ah! beautiful is her son.

It is wrong when the Child is sleeping
It is wrong to talk so loud;
Silence, all, as you gather around.
Lest your noise should waken Jesus.
Hush! hush! See how fast he slumbers.
Hush! hush! See how fast he sleeps.

Softly to the little stable
Softly in a moment come;
Look and see how charming is Jesus
How he is white, his cheeks are rosy.
Hush! hush! See how the child is sleeping.
Hush! hush! See how he smiles in his dreams.