D'où viens-tu, bergère?

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D'où viens-tu, bergère? ("Where are you coming from, shepherdess?") is a traditional French carol.[1] Written in 4-4 time, this carol is sung to celebrate Christmas in France.[2]

In its English translation Mary Magdalene comes from visiting the manger of Jesus and tells the shepherds and angels of his birth. The carol is a popular choice for francophone choirs internationally, especially in Canada.[3]

Lyrics for D’où viens-tu, bergère were published in Vieilles Chansons patoises du Périgord (1888, 2e éd. 1903) as collected by Emmanuel Casse and Eugène Chaminade.[4]

Partial traditional lyrics[]

D'où viens-tu, bergère ?
D'où viens-tu?
Je viens de l'étable
De m'y promener!
J'ai vu un miracle,
Ce soir arriver!
Rien de plus, bergère ?
Rien de plus?
Y'a le boeuf et l'âne,
Qui sont par devant,
Avec leur haleine
Réchauffant l'enfant.

The carol is usually repeated 2 times, and traditionally, is accompanied by harpsichord and oboe.

English adaption[]

What did you see Oh Maiden, What did you see?
On this very night, my own eyes were dazzled, by a wondrous sight!
Was he fair, Oh Maiden, Was he fair?
Fairer than the moon, fairer than the sun! Never in this world have I seen such a one!
Was he calm, Oh Maiden, was he calm?
All my heart was given to this little child. In my very soul, he will live for all time!

Adaptations[]

The song was adapted in 1866 into English by William McLennan[5] with the title Whence art thou, my maiden?[3]

Recorded versions[]

Artists who have recorded the song include:

  • (nell'album Tijuana)[6]
  • The Canadian Brass (in 1990[7]
  • Le Petit Chœur Du Collège De Montreux e (nell'album L'ésprit de Noël)[8]
  • Suzanne Pinel (nell'album 1983)[9]
  • Laurens van Rooyen (nell'album 1991)[10]
  • Nathalie Simard e Les Petits Chanteurs de Granby (nell'album Noël avec Nathalie et Les Petits Chanteurs de Granby 1981)[11]
  • Strada (nell'album Kadou - Noëls anciens et chansons de quête Traditional Carols And Wassail Songs 2000)[12]
  • e (nell'album Folk Songs of Canada)[13]

References[]

  1. ^ Francophone musique, D'ou viens-tu, bergiere?[permanent dead link] Retrieved October 19, 2010.
  2. ^ The Traditional Book of Carols
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b Bowler, Gerry, Dizionario universale del Natale [The World Encyclopedia of Christmas], Newton & Compton, Roma, 2003, p. 126
  4. ^ "D'où viens-tu, bergère?".
  5. ^ McLennan, William, 1856-1904 (1866), Songs of old Canada [microform] / translated by William McLennan, Dawson BrosCS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ Benny Barbara - Tijuana su Discogs
  7. ^ Canadian Brass, The -The Christmas Album su Discogs
  8. ^ Le Petit Chœur Du Collège De Montreux et Charles Jauquier Direction Robert Mermoud - L'Esprit De Noël su Discogs
  9. ^ Suzanne Pinel - Noël Avec Suzanne Pinel su Discogs
  10. ^ Laurens van Rooyen - Appelsientje Kerstconcert
  11. ^ Nathalie Simard Et Les Petits Chanteurs De Granby – Noël Avec Nathalie Et Les Petits Chanteurs De Granby
  12. ^ Strada (7) – Kadou - Noëls Anciens Et Chansons De Quête Traditional Carols And Wassail Songs
  13. ^ Joyce Sullivan And Charles Jordan – Folk Songs Of Canada su Discogs

External links[]

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