The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #28520   Message #354707
Posted By: Hotspur
10-Dec-00 - 10:45 PM
Thread Name: French And German Carols.
Subject: RE: French And German Carols.
"Minuit, Chretiens" is "O Holy Night." The words translate differently from the usual Emglish version:

Midnight, Christians, it is the solemn hour When the Man of God descended to us To erase the original sin And to stop the rages of his Father. The whole world trembles in hope On this night which gives us a savior. Fall to your knees! Await your deliverance! Christmas, Christmas! Here is your Redeemer! Christmas, Christmas! Here is your Redeemer! (I wonder if, like in English, Noel orginally was Nowell, meaning news? Don't know)

Here are translations of the titles of the French carols, none of them are ones I know, but if you want to post the lyrics I can translate them for you.

"Dans un etable obscure"=in a dark stable

"Les Bergerettes" translates to "The Shepherdesses,".

"On entend partout carillon,"= One hears bells everywhere. ("We hear bells everywhere" sounds better in English)

"Or vous tremoussez"=Now bestir yourselves.

"Venez Divin messie"= Come, Divine Messiah

I found "Als ich bei meinen Schafen wacht" in one of my books.

1. While by my sheep I watched at night, Glad tidings brought an angel bright.

(cho) How great my joy, great my joy. Joy, joy, joy! Joy, joy, joy! Praise we the Lord in heaven on high. Praise we the Lord in heaven on high.

2. There shall be born, so he did say, In Bethlehem, a Child today.

3. There shall He lie, in manger mean, Who shall redeem the world from sin.

4. Lord, evermore to me be nigh, Then shall my heart be filled with joy!