The Holy Boy

There are already many very nice performances of this piece here, so, we really didn't need another one. I'm really struggling with my hearing, and I did this (and the Britten) more as "tests" for myself.

At any rate, here is so interesting info about the piece: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Holy_Boy

The exquisite text for the vocal version of the piece is by Herbert S. Brown:

Lowly, laid in a manger,
With oxen brooding nigh,
The Heav'nly Babe is lying
His Maiden Mother by.

Lo! The way-faring sages,
Who journey'd far through the wild,
Now worship, silent adoring,
The Boy, The Heav'nly Child -
The Heav'nly Child.

Leave your work and your playtime,
And kneel in homage and prayer,
The Prince of Love is smiling
Asleep in his cradle there!

Bend your hearts to the wonder,
The Birth, the Mystery mild,
And worship, silent adoring,
The Boy, the Heav'nly Child --
The Heav'nly Child!

Dim the light of the lantern,
And bare the mean abode,
Yet gold and myrrh and incense
Proclaim the Son of God.

Lowly laid in a manger
By Virgin undefiled,
Come worship, silent, adoring,
The Boy, The Heav'nly Child.
The Heav'nly Child!