The first Christmas song of this year was one only in its title; in reality, it was a cry full of anger in the midst of war. The second came closer, but still wasn’t quite one. That is why, to await the turn of the year and the arrival of the Three Wise Men, I have chosen a genuine carol, with the Baby Jesus, the shepherds, the offerings, and the joy for the hope that has just been born.
It is Mira quina resplendor by Catalan composer Frederic Mompou, a song composed probably around 1949. The text, also by Mompou, brings us—simply and charmingly—the images of the most traditional Nativity scene. The final verses of each stanza, which depict the Adoration, become the refrain of a strophic song that begins with the lively steps of the shepherds on their way to Bethlehem. It is a delightful carol, which we will hear performed by Marta Mathéu and Jordi Masó.
May you have a wonderful start to the new year!
Nit de Nadal, nit santa i lluminosa,
anem, pastors, pel camí de Betlem,
cantem plegats cançons i dances
al Nen Jesús que aquesta nit és nat,
tot dient-li així: mira, mira, mira,
quina resplendor al teu voltant;
Déu meu, Senyor!
Els tres bons Reis amb desig d'adorar-lo
des de l'Orient han fet un llarg camí;
li porten or, encens i mirra,
clavells i roses, perles i robins,
tot dient-li així: mira, mira, mira,
quina resplendor al teu voltant;
Déu meu, Senyor!
Glorifiquem aquesta humil naixença
del fill de Déu que a tots vindrà a salvar;
junt amb l'amor, la pau ens porti
amb l'esperança de l'Eternitat.
Adorem-lo tots: mira, mira, mira,
quina resplendor al teu voltant;
Déu meu, Senyor!
Christmas Eve, holy and bright night,
let us go, shepherds, along the road to Bethlehem;
let us sing songs and dances together
to the Child Jesus who was born tonight,
saying to him thus: look, look, look,
what splendour around you;
my God, my Lord!
The Three Wise Men, desiring to adore him
have come a long way from the East;
they bring him gold, frankincense and myrrh,
carnations and roses, pearls and rubies,
saying to him thus: look, look, look,
what splendour around you;
my God, my Lord!
Let us glorify this humble birth
of the Son of God who will come to save all;
together with love, may peace lead us
with the hope of Eternity.
Let us all adore him: look, look, look,
what splendour around you;
My God, my Lord!
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