This is an arrangement of a very rare and utterly
lovely Polish Christmas carol. I sang it as a boy, but
have never heard it since; nor can I find a recording
of it. The words and melody were, however, preserved in
Michael Mioduszewski's collection of Pastorali i
Kolendy (Krakow, 1843). I have translated the original
text as accurately as possible while still maintaining
a rhyme scheme that reflects that of the original. The
carol is unusual in offering criticism of Joseph for
failing to provide...(+)
This is an arrangement of a very rare and utterly
lovely Polish Christmas carol. I sang it as a boy, but
have never heard it since; nor can I find a recording
of it. The words and melody were, however, preserved in
Michael Mioduszewski's collection of Pastorali i
Kolendy (Krakow, 1843). I have translated the original
text as accurately as possible while still maintaining
a rhyme scheme that reflects that of the original. The
carol is unusual in offering criticism of Joseph for
failing to provide any clothing for the expected baby.
My setting attempts, as it progresses from discord to
concord, to mime the movement of the narrative from
complete chill through to relative warmth. I very much
hope that this arrangement and translation will enable
this lovely folk carol to become better known.
PARTITION