Timothy C. Takach, Composer

Twas in the Moon of Wintertime Huron Carol (2006)
TTBB a cappella
Written for Cantus

Sacred/Christmas carol

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Note:
A haunting arrangement of the Huron Carol, this piece evokes the warmth of the Jesus' birth despite the coldness of winter. Takach has paired the original carol tune with a newly composed melody to great effect, supporting the joyful proclamation in the third verse. This arrangement is accessible to a good high school men's choir, and yet has enough musical nuance to satisfy a more accomplished professional choir.

Text:
‘Twas in the moon of wintertime,
When all the birds had fled,
That mighty Gitchi Manitou
Sent angel choirs instead.
Before their light the stars grew dim,
And wondering hunters heard the hymn:
Jesous ahatonia, Jesus is born,
in excelsis gloria.

Within a lodge of broken bark
The tender Babe was found;
A ragged robe of rabbit skin
Enwrapped His beauty round;
But as the hunter braves drew nigh,
The angel song rang loud and high:
In excelsis gloria.

O children of the forest free,
O sons of Manitou,
The Holy Child of earth and heaven
Is born today for you.
Come kneel before the radiant boy,
Who brings you beauty, peace, and joy.
Jesous ahatonia, Jesus is born,
in excelsis gloria.

Jean de Brebeuf
Poetic English trans. by J. E. Middleton

Text used by permission of The Frederick Harris Music Co., Limited, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
All rights reserved.