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Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella – Twelve-Handbell Version

In this charming sixteenth-century French carol Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella, a young girl is sent to bring a torch/candle to bring light to the stable where the Christ Child sleeps.

Un flambeau, Jeanette, Isabelle,
Un flambeau, courons au berceau!
C’est Jésus, bonnes gens du hameau,
Le Christ est né, Marie appelle,
Ah! Ah! que la mère est belle,
Ah! ah! ah! que l’Enfant est beau!

C’est un tort quand l’Enfant sommeille.
C’est un tort de crier si fort.
Taisez-vous. l’un et l’autre, d’abord!
Au moindre bruit, Jésus s’éveille.
Chut! chut! chut! Il dort à merveille,
Chut! chut! chut! voyez comme il dort!

Doucement, dans l’étable close,
Doucement, venez un moment!
Approchez, que Jésus est charmant!
Comme il est blanc, comme il est rose!
Do! Do! Do! que l’Enfant répose!
Do! Do! Do! qu’ll rit en dormant!

Bring a torch, Jeanette, Isabella
Bring a torch, come swiftly and run
Christ is born, tell the folk of the village
Jesus is sleeping in His cradle
Ah, ah, beautiful is the Mother
Ah, ah, beautiful is her Son!

It is wrong when the Baby is sleeping,
It is wrong to speak so loud.
Silence, now as you gather around,
Lest your noise should waken Jesus.
Hush! Hush! see how the Baby slumbers;
Hush! Hush! see how the Baby sleeps!

Softly now unto the stable,
Softly for a moment come!
Look and see how charming is Jesus,
Look at him there, His cheeks are rosy!
Hush! Hush! see how the Child is sleeping;
Hush! Hush! see how he smiles in dreams!

Church Calendar: Christmas

Twelve Handbells, C5-G6 BUC
C5-G6 Score Package: $10.00 US
C5-G6 Practice track: $2.00 US
Twelve Handbells, F5-C7 BUC
F5-C7 Score Package: $10.00 US
F5-C7 Practice track: $2.00 US
Twelve Handbells, Bb4-F6 BUC
Bb4-F6 Score Package: $10.00 US
Bb4-F6 Practice track: $2.00 US

Other arrangements available for eight handbells.

Purchasing this 12-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to six copies for your handbell group – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.

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