Performed on December 11, 2009

1 Cristo è nato……. anon., 14th c. Florence

opening “chant” and verse 1 Elizabeth Hungerford
verse 2 Lisa Perry
verse 3 Liliana Castelblanco
solo recorder, Yuan-Chih Chen

2 Regina pretiosa……. anon., 14th c. Florence

Verse 1 Rachel Gitner
Verse 2 Hillary LaBonte
Verse 3 Nola Richardson
Treble viol, Jeffrey Grabelle

3 Bel fiore dança…….. Faenza Codex, 14th c.

Yuan-Chih Chen, alto recorder; Jeffrey Grabelle, treble viol; Hannah Pressley, bass viol; Edward Greenhood, colascione; Kevin Shannon, finger cymbals

4 Gloria’n cielo… anon., 14th c. Florence

verse 1 Hillary LaBonte
verse 2 Rachel Gitner
verse 3 tenors
verse 1 (da capo) sopranos

5 Puer natus est……. Heinrich Isaac (c.1450-1517)

Liliana Castelblanco, soprano
Dorotea Racz, Jeffrey Grabelle, Hannah Pressley, viols

6 Gaude, Maria virgo……. Tomás Luis da Victoria (1548-1611)

Sara MacKimmie & Lisa Perry, sopranos
Racz, Grabelle, Pressley, viols

7 Salve regina….. Gregorian chant

(William Mayer, bass)

Salve regina…… Luca Marenzio (c.1553-1599)

25 Canzonetta spirituale sopra alla nanna… Tarquinio Merula (c.1594-1665)

Elizabeth Hungerford

Continuo: Brian Kay, archlute, Kevin Payne, lute; Kevin Shannon, baroque guitar, Jeffrey Grabelle, bass viol

26 O magnum mysterium… Giovanni Gabrieli (c.1555-1612)

The Peabody Renaissance Ensemble

John Armato, lute
Liliana Castelblanco, soprano
Yuan-Chih Chen, recorders
Joseph Christianson, baritone
Michael Droettboom, baritone
Caitlin Engelhard, alto
Rachel S. Gitner, soprano
Jeffrey Grabelle, treble & bass viols
Edward Greenhood, lute, Renaissance guitar, colascione
Elizabeth Hungerford, soprano
Donald Juedes, tenor
Brian Kay, lutes, percussion
Laura Koznarek, alto
Hillary LaBonte, soprano
Sara MacKimmie, soprano
Jordan Markham, baritone
William Mayer, bass
Tracey A Melhuish, alto
Graham Middleton, tenor sackbut
Lee Mills, tenor
Kyle Ó Súilleabháin, tenor
Allison Parr, soprano
Kevin Payne, lutes
Lisa Perry, soprano
Hannah Pressley, bass viol
Dorotea Racz, tenor viol
Nola Richardson, soprano
Ursula Sahagian, soprano
Bill Schaller, counter tenor & bass
Diane Schaming, alto
William Scott, virginal
Kevin Shannon, baroque guitar, percussion
Edie Stern, alto
Matt Sullivan, baritone
Helen-Jean Talbott, recorders

Translations

Cristo è nato

Christ is born and become man in order to save the people who were lost since their first parents were fallen.

Christ is born to ransom us sinners who were departed and separated from his servants; because we failed you and did not serve you, but had become deserters, drawn by him who still transgresses.

Christ is born…

In Bethlehem the blessed Lord was born of the pure virgin:  he was announced and prophesied in the scriptures: the mediator and redeemer, upright and true, the king of peace who pleases everyone of true understanding.

Christ is born…

The fresh lily, white and red, is born in this world to persuade us to avoid capture by the deep abyss.  He deigned to come and suffer for us a painful death, which is joyous now, but weighed heavily upon us before.

Christ is born…

Regina pretiosa

Precious queen, mother of the glorious one, devoutly we beg you for mercy.

We pray to you and to the high king of Heaven, that he might lead us to this clear light, where the evangelists Mark and Luke, and all the saints, are singing sweet songs and dancing before the queen.

Precious queen, mother of the glorious one, devoutly we beg you for mercy.

In the divine court they wait for us everyday; suddenly the doors are opened:  let those who acted rightly go in with confidence; they will be well received; if they have a contrite heart, let them go to this dance whipping themselves.

Precious queen, mother of the glorious one, devoutly we beg you for mercy.

Listen, good people, who have heard this sermon, be penitent and always keep  a contrite heart, because a sign has appeared that this kingdom is coming to an end: abandon your pride now.

Precious queen, mother of the glorious one, devoutly we beg you for mercy.

Gloria’en cielo

Glory in heaven and peace on earth; our Savior is born.

The glorious Christ is born, the marvelous high God; the benign Creator has become man, long desired.

Glory in Heaven and peace on earth, our Savior is born.

A child is born from the flower, born of the sovereign virgin, shining morning-star, polestar for the errant.

Glory in Heaven and peace on earth, our Savior is born.

Let us sing peace on earth; let us desire glory in Heaven; the sacred Maiden gave birth to the Savior.

Glory in Heaven and peace on earth, our Savior is born.

Puer natus est

A boy is born to us, And a son is given to us, upon whose shoulders authority rests,

and His name will be called “The Angel of Great Counsel”.

Gaude, Maria virgo

Rejoice, Mary: you alone in the entire world have destroyed all heresies.

Alleluia!

Salve regina

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope.

To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve;

to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.

Canzonetta spirituale sopra alla nanna

Now it is time to sleep, Sleep, my son, and do not cry, for we shall see in time The need for weeping.

Oh my heart, my heart, Go to sleep.

Close these divine eyes, as the other children do, for a dark veil will hide the sky from you,

Oh my heart, my heart, Go to sleep.

Or, take this milk from my virgin breast, for the cruel minister is preparing vinegar and gall for you.

Oh my heart, my heart, Go to sleep.

My love, may this bosom now be a soft bed for you, before your soul cries out to your Father on the cross.

Oh my heart, my heart, Go to sleep.

Now rest these lovely limbs, so charming, so tender; for shackles and chains will cause them bitter pains.

Oh my heart, my heart, Go to sleep.

These hands, these feet at which you now look with pleasure and joy; Alas, in so many ways will be pierced by sharp nails.

This charming face, ruddier than the rose, they will besmirch with spitting and slapping, with torment and great sorrow.

Oh, with such pain, sole hope of my heart, will this head and this hair be pierced by sharp thorns.

Oh, in this divine breast, my love, my delight, a wicked, traitorous spear will cause mortal wounds.

Sleep, therefore, my son, sleep, then, my Savior, for later, with joyful faces, we shall meet again in Paradise.

Now that you are sleeping, my life, my heart’s perfect joy, let all be silent with pure zeal, let Heaven and earth be silent.   And meanwhile, what shall I do?  I shall gaze upon my love, and remain here with bowed head while my child sleeps.

O Magnum Mysterium

O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament,

that animals should see the new-born Lord, lying in a manger!

Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy to bear Christ the Lord.

Alleluia!

From Godly and Spirituall Songs

Performed on December 1, 2011

8 This is the record of John… Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625)

Daniel Moody, countertenor
Lyons, Domingues, Seligmann, Grabelle, viols

9 Cradle pavin… Antony Holborne (d. 1602)

Kevin Payne, lute

10 Lullaby galliard… Holborne

Aik Shin Tan & Helen-Jean Talbott, recorders; Amy Domingues, Niccolo Seligmann &Jeffrey Grabelle, viols; Kevin Payne & Brian Kay, lutes; Jeremy Lyons, guitar

11 Sweet was the song the virgin sung… anon., William Ballet Lutebook, 1594

Rachel Grider, soprano
Lyons, Domingues, Seligmann, Grabelle, viols

12 The night watch… Holborne

Aik Shin Tan, tenor recorder

13 Psalm 84: While shepherds watched… George Kirbye (d. 1634)

Verse 2 Sara MacKimmie
Verse 3 Sara MacKimmie, Diane Schaming
Verse 4 Sara MacKimmie, Diane Schaming, John Belkot
Verse 5 (a capella) MacKimmie, Schaming, Belkot, Matthew Sullivan

14 Heigh ho holiday… Holborne

Niccolo Seligmann, bass viol

15 Heigh ho holiday … Holborne

Brian Kay, lute

16 Out of the Orient crystal skies… William Byrd (1540-1623)

Julie Bosworth, soprano

17 As it fell on a holie eve     … Holborne
18 Hodie Christus natus est… Gregorian chant

Hodie Christus natus est… William Byrd

19 From heaven high… anon., Scottish

Amy Domingues, tenor viol
Matthew Sullivan, baritone

20 Balulalow… anon., Godly and Spirituall Songs, 1578

Daniel Moody, countertenor

The Peabody Renaissance Ensemble

Adam Pearl, vocal coach
Eli Anders, tenor
John Belkot, tenor
Julie Bosworth, soprano
Janna Critz, mezzo-soprano
Nathan Daniels, bass
Amy Domingues, tenor viol
Jeffrey Grabelle, treble & bass viols
Rachel Grider, soprano
Kerry Holahan, soprano
Donald Juedes, tenor
Brian Kay, lute
Jeremy Lyons, tenor and tenor viol
Sara MacKimmie, soprano
Mary Maldarelli, soprano
Elizabeth Merrill, mezzo-soprano
Christa Monokrousos, soprano
Daniel Moody, countertenor
Kevin Payne, lute
Lisa Perry, alto
Diane Schaming, alto
Ittinat Seeboonruang, baritone
Niccolo Seligmann, bass viol
Matthew Sullivan, baritone
Helen-Jean Talbott, recorders
Aik Shin Tan, recorders
Jessica Thompson, soprano
Molly Young, soprano

Special thanks: Ah Young Hong, vocal coaching

Translations

Hodie Christus natus est

Today Christ is born: Today the Saviour appeared: Today on Earth the Angels sing, Archangels rejoice: Today the righteous rejoice, saying: Glory to God in the highest: Alleluia.

From ¡O que nueva!

Performed on December 10, 2010
21 Branle l’officiel    … Thoinot Arbeau, Orchésographie, 1589

Jeffrey Grabelle, treble viol

Brian Kay, lute

22 Allons, gai bergeres… Guillaume Costeley, ca. 1531-1606

Quintet: Marie Marquis, Lisa Perry, Jessica Thompson, Don Juedes, Matthew Sullivan

23 Noël nouvelet! … Anon., 15th c.

Verse 1 Marie Marquis
Verse 2 Kerry Holahan
Verse 3 Elizabeth Merrill
Verse 4 Nola Richardson
Verse 5 Lisa Perry
Verse 6 Marie Marquis

24 O bone Jesu… Francesco da Milano (1497-1543)

Brian Kay, lute

The Peabody Renaissance Ensemble

Eli Anders, tenor
John Armato, lute and Renaissance guitar
Julie Bosworth, soprano
Yuan-Chih Chen, sopranino, soprano, alto, & tenor recorders
Amy Domingues, bass viol
Stephen Edwards, baritone
Caitlin Engelhard, alto
Jeffrey Grabelle (Guest artist), treble & bass viols
Kerry Holahan, soprano
Donald Juedes, tenor
Brian Kay, lutes
Sara MacKimmie, soprano
Mary Maldarelli, soprano
Marie Marquis, soprano
Elizabeth Merrill, alto
Kevin Payne, lute and vihuela
Lisa Perry, soprano
Nola Richardson, soprano
Ittinat Seeboonruang, baritone
Kevin Shannon, Baroque guitar and percussion
Edie Stern, alto
Matt Sullivan, bass
Helen-Jean Talbott, alto, tenor, & bass recorders
Aik Shin Tan, soprano, alto, & tenor recorders
Jessica Thompson, soprano

Special thanks:
Adam Pearl, choral coaching
Rabbi Liz Bolton, Hebrew pronunciation
Marie Marquis, French pronunciation

Translations

Allons, gai, gai bergeres

Let’s go gaily, Shepherdesses,

Let’s go gaily, be light, follow me.

Let’s go see the King,

Who from heaven is born on Earth.

Let’s go gaily …

I’ll make him an attractive present, of what?

This tin whistle that I have, so gay.

Let’s go gaily …

I will give him a cake.

And me, I’ll offer him a full drinking cup.

Let’s go gaily …

Oh, oh, hush! I see him;

He’s nursing well, not with his thumb, the little King!

     Let’s go gaily…

Let us go gaily, be light, the King is drinking!

Noël nouvelet!

Noël nouvelet! sing we this new Noël!

Devout peoples, now give thanks to God;

Let us sing Noël for the new-born King:

     Noël nouvelet! sing we this new Noël!

When I awoke from my sleep,

Opening my eyes, I saw a flowering tree

from which issued forth a bright red bud.

     Noël nouvelet! sing we this new Noël!

When I saw it, my heart rejoiced,

for a great light shone therefrom,

like the sun that lights the morning sky.

     Noël nouvelet! sing we this new Noël!

A little bird I heard say to the shepherds,

Breaking off her song: “Leave this place!

In Bethlehem you will find the little Lamb!”

     Noël nouvelet! sing we this new Noël!

In Bethlehem I saw Mary and Joseph,

With the infant sleeping between the ox and ass;

The manger took the place of a cradle.

     Noël nouvelet! sing we this new Noël!

Then came the star which shone like day,

I saw it come from where I’d been,

Leading the three kings to Bethlehem.

     Noël nouvelet! sing we this new Noël!

Donors to Peabody’s Early Music program:

Anonymous, Nancy & Rick Arnest, Paul & Betty Bensel, James Blue, Risa Browder,

Alice and Lawrence Arthur Brown, David Brown, Bozena Jedrzejczak Brown,

Mark and Beth Butler, Tina Chancey, Nancy D. Chase, Clark Conkling, James Cox,

Mark Cudek, Gislin Dagnelie, Ph.D. & Brenda Carla Rapp, Ph.D., Royce Faddis,

Dr. & Mrs. Douglas Fambrough, George and Elaine Farrant, Eleanor Fischer, Sally A. Fiske, Georgeann T. Haykin, Barbara S. Hawkins, Ph.D., Ah Young Hong, Stephen S. Israel,

Donald Juedes, Richard L. Kelley, M.D., Kim A. Kilduff, Alan Loucks, Lois H. Love,

Thomas & Alexandra MacCracken, Tracey A. Melhuish, John Moran, Melinda O’Neal, Elizabeth R. O’Shea, Jonathan Palevsky, Bryce Peltier and Elizabeth D. Logsdon,

Patricia M. Ranum, Gwyn Roberts, Alena and David M. Schwaber, Penny & Michael Schwarz, Linwood C. Simpler, Dr. Ann Solomon, Edith B. Stern, Richard Stone, Helen-Jean Talbott, Roy & Carol Thomas, Helen and Gregory Tice, Louise Toby, Charles Vega, Susan Weiss, Lawrence S. Wissow, Stephen Wolff, Nicholas S. Young