Jump to content

D'où viens-tu, bergère?

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

D'où viens-tu, bergère? ("Where are you coming from, shepherdess?") is a traditional French carol.[1] Written in 4-4 time, this carol is sung to celebrate Christmas in France.[2]

In its English translation Mary Magdalene comes from visiting the manger of Jesus and tells the shepherds and angels of his birth. The carol is a popular choice for francophone choirs internationally, especially in Canada.[3]

Lyrics for D’où viens-tu, bergère were published in Vieilles Chansons patoises du Périgord (1888, 2e éd. 1903) as collected by Emmanuel Casse and Eugène Chaminade.[4]

Partial traditional lyrics

[edit]
D'où viens-tu, bergère ?
D'où viens-tu?
Je viens de l'étable
De m'y promener!
J'ai vu un miracle,
Ce soir arriver!
Rien de plus, bergère ?
Rien de plus?
Y'a le boeuf et l'âne,
Qui sont par devant,
Avec leur haleine
Réchauffant l'enfant.

The carol is usually repeated 2 times, and traditionally, is accompanied by harpsichord and oboe.

English adaption

[edit]

What did you see Oh Maiden, What did you see?
On this very night, my own eyes were dazzled, by a wondrous sight!
Was he fair, Oh Maiden, Was he fair?
Fairer than the moon, fairer than the sun! Never in this world have I seen such a one!
Was he calm, Oh Maiden, was he calm?
All my heart was given to this little child. In my very soul, he will live for all time!

Adaptations

[edit]

The song was adapted in 1866 into English by William McLennan[5] with the title Whence art thou, my maiden?[3]

Recorded versions

[edit]

Artists who have recorded the song include:

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Francophone musique, D'ou viens-tu, bergiere? Retrieved October 19, 2010.
  2. ^ The Traditional Book of Carols
  3. ^ a b Bowler, Gerry, Dizionario universale del Natale [The World Encyclopedia of Christmas], Newton & Compton, Roma, 2003, p. 126
  4. ^ "D'où viens-tu, bergère?". Archived from the original on 2014-10-22.
  5. ^ McLennan, William, 1856-1904 (1866), Songs of old Canada [microform] / translated by William McLennan, Dawson Bros{{citation}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ Benny Barbara - Tijuana su Discogs
  7. ^ Canadian Brass, The -The Christmas Album su Discogs
  8. ^ Le Petit Chœur Du Collège De Montreux et Charles Jauquier Direction Robert Mermoud - L'Esprit De Noël su Discogs
  9. ^ Suzanne Pinel - Noël Avec Suzanne Pinel su Discogs
  10. ^ Laurens van Rooyen - Appelsientje Kerstconcert
  11. ^ Nathalie Simard Et Les Petits Chanteurs De Granby – Noël Avec Nathalie Et Les Petits Chanteurs De Granby
  12. ^ Strada (7) – Kadou - Noëls Anciens Et Chansons De Quête Traditional Carols And Wassail Songs
  13. ^ Joyce Sullivan And Charles Jordan – Folk Songs Of Canada su Discogs
[edit]