Author Archives: Dr. Crystal Grimes

“Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella” #Christmas #Music

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Here is a 17th-century French Christmas carol that is still sung today. The French title is “Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle,” and it was translated into English in the 18th century. Originating in the Provence region of France, it was not meant to be sung at Christmas, but was considered dance music for the French nobility.

In the lyrics, two farm girls, Jeanette and Isabella, find the Christ Child with his mother in the stable. The song describes how one should speak quietly and see how the baby is peacefully sleeping, enjoying his dreams. Then, they rush to a nearby village to share the news of His birth, and everyone comes to see the baby. To this day in the Provence region, children dress as shepherds and milkmaids and sing this carol on their way to Midnight Mass, carrying torches and candles.

My arrangement contains alto recorder and zither and is played as a lullaby rather than a dance tune. I hope you enjoy it! Have a safe, peaceful, blessed, and very Merry Christmas!

On the Horizon #SixSentenceStories

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Original Song on Ukulele

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Well, the New Year is finally coming!

That means a new horizon for everyone–or at least, for those of us who choose to see it that way.

Right now I’m asking myself what is on my horizon?

Increased well-being, more hope, and the ability to see and embrace new opportunities!

I would also say less stress, but I’m a realist.

So, I’ll say choosing better ways to handle stress and more positive, productive responses in emotional situations are on my horizon!

—
Written for
#SixSentenceStories: Horizon.

What’s on your horizon? Leave a comment if you want to share!

Be the Spark #Decima #Poem

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There is a Light, a tiny spark,
A miracle we can behold!
So simple, yet it’s brave and bold
And dims not, even in the dark.

How we can miss its micro mark!
But still it burns quite near, not far–
So close we cannot see the Star…
It’s placed within us to provide
The Light we need to see, to guide.
We must re-learn: It’s who we are!

—
Written for
Ronovan Writes Décima Poetry Challenge Prompt No. 37: (STAR) in the C rhyme line.

“See, Amid the Winter’s Snow” #Christmas #Music

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This is an English carol, also known as “The Hymn for Christmas.” I learned it from
Derwent Harps
just a few weeks ago.

The lyrics are a poem written by Edward Caswall and first published in 1858. Sir John Goss composed “Humility,” a hymn tune for this carol, in 1871. This is a lovely carol, not commonly heard in the United States.

My arrangement contains lyre, viola, and alto recorder. I hope you enjoy it!

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“Auf! Auf Doch, Ihr Kinder!” #Music

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This is a German folk song, urging children to “Get up!” (Auf) on Christmas morning and celebrate the Christ Child. I couldn’t find more information about it, except the lyrics, which I couldn’t remember well enough to sing. However, this is a beautiful melody, and I hope you enjoy hearing it on zither, viola, and alto recorder!