Lo, How a Rose
SATB and Piano; opt. Solo, Strings and Rhythm Section
music: 16th century carol arranged by Greg Scheer, 1995
text: verse 1 and 3, translated by Theodore Baker; verse 2, translated by Harriet R. K. Spaeth
copyright 1995
One of the most lovely songs of the Christmas season is turned into a tender jazz ballad. An oft omitted verse is included ("O Flow'r whose fragrance tender...") and a short soprano solo provides extra vocal texture. This flexible arrangement includes chord symbols for additional musicians, but it can also be sung a cappella!
hear the music:
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read the lyrics:
lyrics
string parts are available via email
1. Lo, how a Rose, e'er blooming, From tender stem hath sprung,
Of Jesse's lineage coming As seers of old have sung;
It came, a blossom bright,
Amid the cold of winter When half-spent was the night.
2. O Flow'r, whose fragrance tender With sweetness fills the air,
Dispel in glorious splendour The darkness ev'rywhere;
True man, yet very God,
From sin and death now save us And share our ev'ry load.
3. Isaiah 'twas foretold it, The Rose I have in mind;
With Mary we behold it, The Virgin mother kind:
To show God's love aright,
She bore to us a Saviour When halfspent was the night.
