Huron Carol

Grade Level 2

Year: 2010

Type: Christmas

Composer: James Anderson

Program Notes:

The first known North American Christmas carol was written in 1643 by a saint – a member of the Society of Jesus - patron Saint of Canada, Father Jean de Brebeuf. As a missionary to the Wanadot tribe of the Iroquois Indians, Father Brebeuf lived with and ministered to the Iroquois from 1626 until 1649 when he was martyred by them.

The melody used was an adaptation of a French folk song, “Une Jeune Pucelle” – A Young Maid. The text is an early example of intercultural thinking, harnessing images known to the Iroquois to convey the eternal truths of the gospel.

The words of the carol were translated into English by Jesse Edgar Middleton in 1926.

‘Twas in the month of wintertime, when all the birds had fled,

That mighty Gitchi Manitou sent angel choirs instead.

Before the light the stars grew dim and wond-‘ring hunters heard the hymn:

Jesus your king is born, Jesus is born,

Glory in excelsis

American Instrumental Ensemble Series (AIES/ABES)