This edition was prepared by Max Spicer — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Bethlehem Down
Staff Notation • Sacred, Christmas
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3 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
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Bethlehem Down by Peter Warlock — Lyrics
“When He is King we will give Him the King’s gifts,
Myrrh for its sweetness, and gold for a crown,
Beautiful robes,” said the young girl to Joseph,
Fair with her firstborn on Bethlehem Down.
Bethlehem Down is full of the starlight,
Winds for the spices, and stars for the gold,
Mary for sleep, and for lullaby music,
Songs of a shepherd by Bethlehem fold.
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About Bethlehem Down
Peter Warlock's Bethlehem Down paints a poignant picture of the Nativity, contrasting the humble setting with the glorious future of Christ the King. The text juxtaposes the 'King's gifts' of myrrh, gold, and robes with the manger's starlight, winds, and the simple songs of a shepherd. It moves from the tender scene of Mary with her first-born to a prescient vision of Christ clothed in grave-sheets, awaiting his destiny. This SATB setting in English captures the profound spiritual and emotional depth of the nativity story, offering a contemplative musical reflection on the dual nature of Christ's arrival – both as vulnerable infant and divine King.
