D'où viens-tu, bergère? explained

D'où viens-tu, bergère? ("Where are you coming from, shepherdess?") is a traditional French carol.[1] Written in 4-4 time, this carol is sung to celebrate Christmas in France.[2]

In its English translation Mary Magdalene comes from visiting the manger of Jesus and tells the shepherds and angels of his birth. The carol is a popular choice for francophone choirs internationally, especially in Canada.[3]

Lyrics for D’où viens-tu, bergère were published in Vieilles Chansons patoises du Périgord (1888, 2e éd. 1903) as collected by Emmanuel Casse and Eugène Chaminade.[4]

Partial traditional lyrics

D'où viens-tu, bergère ?

D'où viens-tu?

Je viens de l'étable

De m'y promener!

J'ai vu un miracle,

Ce soir arriver!

Rien de plus, bergère ?

Rien de plus?

Y'a le boeuf et l'âne,

Qui sont par devant,

Avec leur haleine

Réchauffant l'enfant.

The carol is usually repeated 2 times, and traditionally, is accompanied by harpsichord and oboe.

English adaption

What did you see Oh Maiden, What did you see?
On this very night, my own eyes were dazzled, by a wondrous sight!
Was he fair, Oh Maiden, Was he fair?
Fairer than the moon, fairer than the sun! Never in this world have I seen such a one!
Was he calm, Oh Maiden, was he calm?
All my heart was given to this little child. In my very soul, he will live for all time!

Adaptations

The song was adapted in 1866 into English by William McLennan with the title Whence art thou, my maiden?[3]

Recorded versions

Artists who have recorded the song include:

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. http://frmusique.ru/texts/divers/douvienstubergere.htm Francophone musique, D'ou viens-tu, bergiere?
  2. The Traditional Book of Carols
  3. Bowler, Gerry, Dizionario universale del Natale [''The World Encyclopedia of Christmas''], Newton & Compton, Roma, 2003, p. 126
  4. Web site: D'où viens-tu, bergère?. live . https://web.archive.org/web/20141022010956/http://www.madbeppo.com/french-songs/dou-viens-tu-bergere/ . 2014-10-22 .
  5. http://www.discogs.com/Benny-Barbara-Tijuana/release/2500084 Benny Barbara - Tijuana
  6. http://www.discogs.com/Canadian-Brass-The-Christmas-Album/release/2691786 Canadian Brass, The -The Christmas Album
  7. http://www.discogs.com/Le-Petit-Ch%C5%93ur-Du-Coll%C3%A8ge-De-Montreux-et-Charles-Jauquier-Direction-Robert-Mermoud-LEsprit-De-No%C3%AB/release/3080211 Le Petit Chœur Du Collège De Montreux et Charles Jauquier Direction Robert Mermoud - L'Esprit De Noël
  8. http://www.discogs.com/Suzanne-Pinel-No%C3%ABl-Avec-Suzanne-Pinel/release/5917761 Suzanne Pinel - Noël Avec Suzanne Pinel
  9. http://www.discogs.com/Laurens-van-Rooyen-Appelsientje-Kerstconcert/release/5061432 Laurens van Rooyen - Appelsientje Kerstconcert
  10. http://www.discogs.com/Nathalie-Simard-Et-Les-Petits-Chanteurs-De-Granby-No%C3%ABl-Avec-Nathalie-Et-Les-Petits-Chanteurs-De-Gra/release/2894549 Nathalie Simard Et Les Petits Chanteurs De Granby – Noël Avec Nathalie Et Les Petits Chanteurs De Granby
  11. http://www.discogs.com/Strada-Kadou-No%C3%ABls-Anciens-Et-Chansons-De-Qu%C3%AAte-Traditional-Carols-And-Wassail-Songs/release/3380272 Strada (7) – Kadou - Noëls Anciens Et Chansons De Quête Traditional Carols And Wassail Songs
  12. http://www.discogs.com/Joyce-Sullivan-And-Charles-Jordan-Folk-Songs-Of-Canada/release/6062834 Joyce Sullivan And Charles Jordan – Folk Songs Of Canada

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