New edition of the refrain
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The borys hede (Richard Smert, fl. 1428–1477)
« The borys hede »
Richard Smert (active 1428–1477)
From «Nowell, nowell» 29.11.20
In the Basel Historical Museum, Barfüsserkirche
Grace Newcombe – Voice, Clavisimbalum
Amy Farnell – Voice
Marc Lewon – Voice, Plectrum lute
Rui Stähelin – Voice, Plectrum lute
Musical director: Grace Newcombe
Live concert recording: Oren Kirschenbaum
Moderated by Grace Newcombe and Marc Lewon
Nowell, nowell, nowell, nowell
Tydyngs gode y thyngke to telle
The borys hede that we bryng here
Be tokeneth a prince with oute pere
Ys born this day to bye us dere
Nowell ...
A bore ys a soverayn best
And acceptable in evory festivities
So mote thys lord be to moste and leste
Nowell ...
This borys hede we bryng with song
In worchyp of hym that thus sprang
Of a virgyne to redresse all wrong
Nowell ...
Picture: «December», depiction of a winter feast with musicians. Stained glass window made in England c.1450–1475. London, V&A Museum
Nowell, nowell, nowell, nowell
I am going to tell you good tidings
The boar’s head that we bring here
Is a sign that a prince without equal
Is born this day, to buy us at a high price
Nowell...
A boar is a noble beast
And suitable for every feast
So may this Lord be to greatest and smallest
Nowell...
This boar’s head we bring with song,
In worship of him that so sprang
Of a virgin, to repair all wrongs
Nowell...
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