While Shepherds Watched

This carol was written in around 1700 by Nicholas Brady and Nahum Tate, who was Poet Laureate. The original tune came Handel's oprea "Siroe". It's also sung to a number of other tunes, including "On Ilkley Moor Baht'at".

This is the Pentonville version written by William Marsh (c1780-1805) and arranged by Colin Douglas.

While shepherds watched their flocks by night
All seated on the ground (x2)
The angel of the Lord came down
And glory shone around
And glory shone around

Fear not said he for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind (x2)
Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind
To you and all mankind.

To you in David's Town this day
Is born of David's line (x2)
A Savior who is Christ the Lord
And this shall be a sign
And this shall be a sign.

All glory be to God on high
And to the earth be peace (x2)
Goodwill henceforth from Heav'n to men
Begin and never cease
Begin and never cease.

Hear the soprano part

Hear the alto part

Hear the tenor part

Hear the bass part

Hear all parts together

Download the score (PDF, 52K)

Links

Lyrics and information about this carol
http://www.carols.org.uk/while_shepherds_watched.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/While_Shepherds_Watched_Their_Flocks

Recording of While Shepherds Watched (Pentonville tune)

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