"Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabelle" (French: Un
flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle) is a Christmas carol
which originated from the Provence region of France in
the 16th century.
The carol was first published in 1553 in France, and
was subsequently translated into English in the 18th
century. The song was originally not a song to be sung
at Christmas, but rather dance music for French
nobility.
In the carol, visitors to the stable have to keep their
voices down so the newborn can...(+)
"Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabelle" (French: Un
flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle) is a Christmas carol
which originated from the Provence region of France in
the 16th century.
The carol was first published in 1553 in France, and
was subsequently translated into English in the 18th
century. The song was originally not a song to be sung
at Christmas, but rather dance music for French
nobility.
In the carol, visitors to the stable have to keep their
voices down so the newborn can enjoy his dreams. To
this day in the Provence region, children dress up as
shepherds and milkmaids, carrying torches and candles
to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, while singing the
carol. The painter Georges de La Tour painted a
nativity scene based on the carol.
Although this piece was originally written for Chorus,
I arranged it for Oboe, Classical Guitar & Strings (2
Violins, Viola & Cello) and although this carol is
usually notated in 3/8 time, I arranged in 3/4 time for
readability.