The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is made up of some 360 men and women, all of whom are volunteers. There are many husband-wife combinations and many families have participated in the choir for generations. Choir members are currently limited to twenty years of participation, allowing new members to join the choir on a regular basis.
The choir was founded in August 1847, one month after the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. The choir is completely self-funded, traveling and producing albums to support their organization. Choir members are not paid for their participation or performances.
Although the choir has traditionally been recognized for its sound quality, the most recent director, Craig Jessop, a student of Robert Shaw, has made changes designed to improve the overall quality of the choir. Jessop's efforts to add vitality to the choir's sound include the formation of The Orchestra at Temple Square, the 2005 addition of The Bells on Temple Square (a hand bell choir), and continual refinement of the choir's tone, enunciation, and repetoire. The minimum age for participation has been reduced from 30 to 25. In addition, new choir members participate in The Temple Square Chorale training choir, a combination music theory/performance school led by associate director and composer/arranger Mack Wilberg.
Fantasy on "What Child Is This
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
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On Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing,
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce him through,
The Cross be borne for me, for you,
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise, the song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby,
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
"This Is the Christ" is a powerful hymn sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir that beautifully depicts the story of the birth, crucifixion, and exaltation of Jesus Christ. The lyrics open with the question, "What Child is this who, laid to rest, on Mary's lap, is sleeping?" This refers to the baby Jesus, who was born to Mary and laid in a manger. The mention of angels greeting him with sweet anthems signifies the importance and divinity of this child. Meanwhile, shepherds are keeping watch, being witnesses to this miraculous event.
The chorus of the song refers to Jesus as Christ the King, emphasizing his royal and divine nature. Shepherds act as guardians, and angels sing in praise of this holy child. The repetition of "haste, haste, to bring Him laud," calls for worshippers to hurry and offer their gratitude and praise. The last line of the chorus, "The Babe, the Son of Mary," reminds us of Jesus' humanity and his connection to his earthly mother.
The second verse focuses on the future sacrifice of Jesus, as it raises the question of why He lies in such a humble state, surrounded by animals. The mention of "the silent Word pleading" implies that Jesus, as the Word made flesh, silently pleads for the sins of mankind as He lays in the stable. The references to nails piercing him and the cross He would bear symbolize His crucifixion and the suffering He would endure for the sins of humanity.
The final verse shifts gears to the present-day worship of Christ. It calls on everyone, regardless of their social status, to offer incense, gold, and myrrh, just as the wise men did. It emphasizes that Jesus, the King of kings, brings salvation to all and should be enthroned in the loving hearts of believers. Finally, the song concludes with the joyful proclamation that Christ is born, celebrating not only His birth but also the hope and joy He brings into the world.
Lyrics © Phonographic Digital Limited (PDL), Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Spirit Music Group, Integrity Music, Songtrust Ave, LEE MENDELSON FILM PROD., INC., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: VINCE GUARALDI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind