Noel
Music by Gabriel Faure
Poem by Victor Wilder
Translated by M Ryan Taylor
Copyright © 2008 M Ryan Taylor

Download free sheet music:

• Solo High Voice and Piano
• Solo Medium Voice and Piano
• Solo Low Voice and Piano

The night descends down from the skies,
the white frost on the roof suspends its fringe.
All through the sky angels in flight
faintly stir a rare mysterious sound.

The star which guided here the magi,
has come to rest among the clouds,
and casts a golden nimbus round the cottage
where the Christchild rests.

He wakes and casts his eyes divine
upon the magi round the humble crib.
Here, on the straw, the wonder foretold
smiles upon the noble pilgrims there.

“Receive this gold, this myrrh, this incense,”
the magi are inclined to say,
“and gentle Lord, please let us come,
and humbly kiss your tiny feet.”

See people how they are inclined.
Come follow them in their example.
This cattle shed is now a temple,
and this dear child shall be your King!

Original French Text:

La nuit descend du haut des cieux,
Le givre au toit suspend ses franges.
Et, dans les airs, le vol des anges
Éveille un bruit mystérieux.

L’étoile qui guidait les mages,
S’arrête enfin dans les nuages,
Et fait briller un nimbe d’or
Sur la chaumiére où Jésus dort.

Alors, ouvrant ses yeux divins,
L’enfant couché, dans l’humble crèche,
De son berceau de paille fraîche,
Sourit aux nobles pélérins.

Eux, s’inclinant, lui disent: Sire,
Reçois l’encens, l’or et la myrrhe,
Et laisse-nous, ô doux Jésus,
Baiser le bout de tes pieds nus.

Comme eux, ô peuple, incline-toi,
Imite leur pieux exemple,
Car cette étable, c’est un temple,
Et cet enfant sera ton roi!