He is best known for singing "Walking in the Air", the song from Channel 4's animated film "The Snowman", based on the book by Raymond Briggs. The song reached No. 5 in the UK charts. Ironically, the version in the film was not performed by Aled, but by Peter Auty, a St. Paul's Cathedral choirboy.
When his voice broke at the age of 16, Aled "retired" to concentrate on his school work and playing foorball! He later went to the Royal Academy of Music, followed by The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, after which he played the lead in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat" in Blackpool for a year.
In 2003, Aled relaunched his voice as an adult, when he released his first adult album, "Aled". Although he had a previous album before this release, "From The Heart", Aled considered "Aled" as his first proper adult album.
Since then, he has released 6 other albums. These are:
Higher
Aled: special edition
The Christmas Album
New Horizons
You Raise Me Up: The Best of Aled Jones
Reason To Believe
Aled's Christmas Gift
Aled's next album, "Forever", will be released on September 26th 2011
Aled has also become a regular presenter on Songs of Praise (BBC 1), Good Morning Sunday (BBC radio 2) Friday Night is Music Night (BBC radio 2) and the Choir (radio 3). He has also presented editions of 'Escape to the Country' and 'Celebrity Cash in the Attic' on BBC television. Aled is now involved in presenting the third edition of "Classical Destinations", filming in the UK, in Europe and in Australia.
In July / August 2008 Aled starred in an eight week run in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, at the Wales Millenium Centre as the wacky inventer Caractacus Potts. Aled starred in White Christmas at the Lowry Theatre, Manchester following a two week run at the Theatre Royal Plymouth between November 2009 and January 2010. He will be appearing again in White Christmas in Southampton, Dublin and Liverpool, in November and December 2011
Nunc Dimittis
Aled Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Depart in peace),
According to thy word,
(According to thy word),
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
(Thy salvation),
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people,
(All people),
(Of thy people, Israel),
Glory to the father,
And to the son,
And to the holy ghost,
As it was in the beginning,
Is now and ever shall be,
World without end,
Amen.
The lyrics of Aled Jones's "Nunc Dimittis" are based on the biblical account of Simeon who encountered the baby Jesus at the temple of Jerusalem. Simeon was a righteous and devout man who had been waiting for the promised Messiah. When he saw the baby Jesus, he knew that he had seen the salvation of God and declared "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace." This phrase is often used as a prayer at the end of the day or at the end of one's life, acknowledging that God's promise has been fulfilled and that one can depart in peace.
The lyrics go on to affirm that God's salvation is not just for the Jewish people but for all people, as a light to the Gentiles. This reflects the Christian belief that Jesus came to save not just the Jews but all humankind. The final lines of the song, "Glory to the father, and to the son, and to the holy ghost," affirm the doctrine of the Holy Trinity - that God is one God in three persons.
Overall, the lyrics of "Nunc Dimittis" are a beautiful expression of faith and trust in God's promises. They remind us that God's salvation is for all and call us to praise the Triune God.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, (Depart in peace)
I am now ready to rest in peace, as I have fulfilled my purpose according to your will.
According to thy word, (According to thy word)
I trust in your word and your promises, and I am at peace knowing that I am following your plan for me.
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, (Thy salvation)
I have witnessed your ultimate plan for humanity, and I am in awe of the salvation you offer to all who seek it.
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people, (All people)
Your salvation is not limited to a select few, but available to all who choose to seek it out, and you have been preparing this destiny for all of humanity since the beginning of time.
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of thy people, Israel. (Of thy people, Israel)
Your salvation will bring light and hope to all, and will ultimately bring glory to your chosen people, Israel.
Glory to the father,
We give all glory and honor to God the Father.
And to the son,
We also acknowledge the role of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in bringing about our salvation.
And to the holy ghost,
We recognize the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding us towards the truth and enabling us to live out our faith.
As it was in the beginning,
We acknowledge the eternal nature of God and his plan for humanity, which has existed since the beginning of time.
Is now and ever shall be,
God's plan will always be relevant and available to us, no matter what time or place we find ourselves in.
World without end,
God's power and love will never cease, and will be present throughout all of eternity.
Amen.
We affirm our belief in everything we have just proclaimed, and trust in God's sovereignty and grace.
Writer(s): Geoffrey Burgon Copyright: G. Schirmer Inc.
Contributed by Olivia I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@charlespreston9358
Beautiful piece of music beautifully sung. Thank you!
@whisperedmessage4409
Aled’s tone and diminuendo are unmatched