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25 Mar 07 - 06:27 AM (#2006512) Subject: Origins: Sicilian Pipers' Carol From: GUEST,Nick Westman Upon a winter's night When shepherds watched their sheep, They heard the sound of music Across the silence deep: Heavenly singing, sweetly ringing, Angels chanting from above; "Ave, Ave Signor! O come, O come and worship..." my memory runs out right there. I was taught to call this "Sicilian Pipers' Carol" but the tune and lyrics by that name that I have found on various record albums, etc., is nothing like this. It's a bouncy melody with the lower voices imitating the sound of a bagpipe drone. |
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25 Mar 07 - 07:17 AM (#2006535) Subject: RE: Origins: Sicilian Pipers' Carol From: Fred McCormick Here's the full text as I know it. It is I believe a translation of an authentic Italian carol. ITALIAN CHRISTMAS CAROL It was on a night like this A little babe was born; The shepherds gathered round To guard him till the dawn. Above them shone a star, A star so wondrous light That never since in all these years Have we seen one half so bright. Chorus: Shining so truly, shining so brightly, Guiding there footsteps from afar, It led them through the night, A path to love and brotherhood By following its light. 0, come with us tonight, And join us on our way; For we have found again that star To greet us every day. Although throughout our land Men search the skies in vain Yet turn their glance within their hearts They would find that star again. Chorus |
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25 Mar 07 - 09:18 AM (#2006598) Subject: RE: Origins: Sicilian Pipers' Carol From: mack/misophist This comes from only one person and may or may not be correct; however her name is Lucia and she is Sicilian. The tune is called 'Santa Lucia' and is associated with a patron saint of the area. The connection with Xmas is supposed to be fortuitous. Lucia also means 'light' (the stars) and St Lucy is likewise patroness of eye diseases and optometrists. And bell founders, I think. |
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25 Mar 07 - 01:01 PM (#2006738) Subject: RE: Origins: Sicilian Pipers' Carol From: Malcolm Douglas For more information, see these two earlier discussions: Lyr Req: 'Twas on a night like this' Origins: Carol of the Bagpipes |
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10 May 16 - 01:48 AM (#3789480) Subject: RE: Origins: Sicilian Pipers' Carol From: GUEST I remember singing that in high school choir circa 1960: Only the second verse went: Heavenly singing Sweetly ringing Angels chanting from above: "Today your Savior is born Oh come, oh come and worship the Lord of life and love." It was part of a carol cycle we learned, but I have no idea of uts name or who composed it. |