This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Come, ye gentles, hear the story
Staff Notation • Sacred, Anthems
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Come, ye gentles, hear the story by Edward Bairstow — Lyrics
Come, ye gentles, hear the story,
How the Blessed Mother Maid
Bare on earth the King of Glory,
Lowly in a manger laid.
Came the maid with holy Joseph,
Weary from their journey far;
Seeking humble lodgment, followed
By the light of God's own Star.
Though the King of kings she carried,
No room had the Inn for them:
Since the great of David's kingdom
Gathered were at Bethlehem.
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About Come, ye gentles, hear the story
Sung during the Christmas season, Edward Bairstow's anthem Come, ye gentles, hear the story recounts the Nativity in simple, direct English. The text portrays the Virgin Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and the humble circumstances of Christ's birth in a stable, attended by angels and beasts. The SATB voicing allows for rich harmonies to convey the sacredness of the event. Bairstow's setting emphasizes the devotional aspect of the Christmas narrative, offering a reflective and devotional anthem suitable for church services. It captures the wonder and peace of the First Christmas.
