Third Day of Advent Quem Pastores Laudavere
I first sang this when i was in the school choir in Lower Sixth – 1970. it’s a lovely traditional french carol but there are versions in German and Polish. Four choirboys give a lovely rendition of the carol here…..
A very traditional picture of the Shepherds and the angel
1. Quem pastores laudavere,
quibus angeli dixere,
absit vobis jam timere,
natus est rex gloriæ.
2. Ad quem reges ambulabant,
aurum, thus, myrrham portabant,
immolabant hæc sincere
Leoni victoriæ.
3. Exultemus cum Maria
In cœlesti heirarchia
Natum promat voce pia
Laus honor et gloria.
4. Christo regi, Deo nato,
per Mariam nobis dato,
merito resonet vere
Dulci cum melodia.
It was translated in 16th Century into this versions with the veses we see above alternating with a long choral refrain.
| Original Text | English Translation |
| Quem pastores laudavere, Quibus angeli dixere, Absit vobis jam timere, Natus est rex gloriae. Nunc angelorum gloria Ad quem magi ambulabant, Nunc angelorum gloria… Exultemus cum Maria Nunc angelorum gloria… Christo regi, Deo nato, Nunc angelorum gloria… |
The one praised by the shepherds, to whom the angels said, “Now lay aside your fears,” has been born the king of glory. Now the glory of the angels To whom the wise men made their way, Now the glory of the angels… Let us rejoice with Mary Now the glory of the angels… To Christ the king, born God, Now the glory of the angels… |