Out of the orient crystal skies (Jennifer Bastable)

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• (Posted 2025-11-13)  CPDL #87426:       

Editor: Jennifer Bastable (submitted 2025-11-13).   Score information: Letter, 8 pages, 393 kB   Copyright: Personal

Edition notes:

General Information

Title: Out of the orient crystal skies
Composer: Jennifer Bastable
Lyricist:
Number of voices: 5vv   Voicing: SSATB
Genre: Sacred, Carol

Language: English
Instruments: A cappella

First published:
Description: A setting for five voices of parts of an anonymous poem, known from an unpublished song by William Byrd.

The first soprano and the bass split in a couple of places, but the extra notes can be omitted if necessary. In the case of the soprano, sing whichever of the two notes is easier; for the bass simply ignore the final phrase with words in brackets.

‘Orient’ in context of this song means not ‘eastern' but ‘lustrous' - as in the orient lustre of a fine pearl.

Original text and translations

English text

Out of the orient crystal skies
A blazing star did shine,
Showing the place where poorly lies
A blessed Babe divine.

This shining star three kings did guide
Even from the furthest East,
To Bethlehem where it betide
This blessed Babe did rest,

Laid in a silly manger poor,
Betwixt an ox and ass,
Whom these three kings did all adore
As God's high pleasure was.

And for the joy of His great birth
A thousand angels sing:
Glory and peace unto the earth
Where born is this new King!