• Lane Drive first_page 1PBQu5ElsGAg-i5atojDN1UdBlU-l-6vq: What Child is This — SATB
  • Lane Drive cover 1AVTItJCFD4oUsiKsSf64Va8LNw5U8TiP: What Child is This
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Digital sheet music

What Child Is This?

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Recording: SATB, Oboe Performed by Vox Montium

SATB · Medium Ensemble (up to 30 singers)$22.95

About this song

  • Available forSATB
  • MusicEnglish melody, 16th century
  • WordsWilliam Chatterton Dix, 1867
  • ArrangementLane Johnson
  • AccompanimentPiano; optional flute, oboe, clarinet, or violin
  • LevelIntermediate
  • Duration~3:30

What Child Is This? is a poignant and enduring Christmas carol that has captivated audiences for centuries. The melody is a variation of “Greensleeves,” a beloved English folk tune with a history shrouded in mystery and legend, dating back to at least the late 16th century.

The beautiful and melancholic melody was paired with new sacred lyrics by William Chatterton Dix, a British poet and hymn writer. His lyrics transform the tune into a deeply reverent and contemplative Christmas hymn, sung from the perspective of onlookers at the Nativity.

This SATB arrangement seeks to honor the rich history of both the melody and its lyrics, presenting them in a new light while preserving the timeless beauty and emotional depth that has made this Christmas carol a classic.

Lyrics
What Child is this, who, laid to rest On Mary’s lap is sleeping— Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ, the King, Whom shepherds guard, and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary! Why lies He in such mean estate, Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christians, fear, for sinners here The silent Word is pleading. Nails, spear, shall pierce Him through, The cross be borne for me, for you; Hail! Hail! the Word made flesh, The Babe, the Son of Mary! So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh. Come, peasant, king, to own Him. The King of kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone Him. Raise, raise the song on high. The virgin sings her lullaby. Joy! Joy! for Christ is born, The Babe, the Son of Mary!
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