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.
What Child Is This
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Come, peasant, king, to own Him
The King of kings salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone Him
Raise, raise a song on high
His mother sings her lullaby
Joy, joy for Christ is born
The Babe, the Son of Mary
In the first verse of the song "What Child Is This", the lyrics describe the offering of incense, gold and myrrh as tribute to the newborn King, further symbolizing the gift of adoration and worship of the Three Wise Men. The second line of the verse brings people of every class and status to own Him, symbolizing how the birth of Christ transcends societal divides and brings people from all walks of life together. The third and fourth lines of this verse express how the King of Kings brings salvation, and how he should be loved and enthroned in the hearts of all who revere Him as the son of God.
The second verse of this hymn is a call to action to raise a song on high for the arrival of the Christ-child. As his mother sings a lullaby to him, the lyrics exhort people to share in the joyous occasion of Christ's birth. In the final line, the song reminds us once again that Jesus was the son of Mary, underscoring his position as both man and deity, and highlighting the human aspects of his story.
Line by Line Meaning
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh
In honor of His birth, let us bring Him gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh
Come, peasant, king, to own Him
People of all statuses, both the lowly and the regal, should acknowledge and recognize Him
The King of kings salvation brings
His arrival brings salvation that is fit for a King above all other kings
Let loving hearts enthrone Him
With adoration and love, let us give Him a place of honor and respect
Raise, raise a song on high
Sing a song of praise and celebration, lifting it up with joy and exuberance
His mother sings her lullaby
His mother sings a calming song to lull Him to sleep in the manger
Joy, joy for Christ is born
Let there be immense happiness and jubilation, for Christ the Savior is born
The Babe, the Son of Mary
He is a precious baby, born of the Virgin Mary
The Babe, the Son of Mary
He is a precious baby, born of the Virgin Mary
Contributed by Christian O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@lamplight5603
“What Child Is This?” is a Christmas Carol with lyrics written by William Chatterton Dix during the Christmas of 1865. It was set to the tune of “Greensleeves”, a traditional English folk song in 1871. It was first published six years later in 1871, when it featured in Christmas Carols Old and New, a “prestigious” and “influential” collection of carols that was published in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧. Although written in Great Britain 🇬🇧, the carol today is more popular in the USA 🇺🇸, than it’s country of origin.
In 1865 William was 29 yeas old when he suffered a from a near-fatal bout of sickness. He was afflicted with severe depression, and this near-death experience changed him completely. While undergoing recovery, he experienced a “Spiritual Awakening” that inspired him to start crafting hymns. He became an avid reader of The Bible and subsequently, he wrote the lyrics and incorporated the tune to the celebrated English folk song, “Greensleeves.”
Greensleeves was already one of the most aesthetic and beloved melodies of the festive season, at that time. Although it’s not a quintessential Christmas tune, it’s association with the festive season can be dated back to 1642.
The Choir only sang the third verse of this carol. The carol’s melody has been described as “soulful”, and “haunting and beautiful” in nature. I absolutely agree with that description.
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!
Blessings Love Light to All as we’re going through this horrendous time in the world. May all The Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s beautiful music 🎼 lift our spirits.
🙏🙏🙏💜💚💖✨💫🌟🇨🇦🇺🇸🇬🇧
@nanikdasani4547
1. What Child is this who, laid to rest
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.
2. Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, 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.
3. 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 a song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
@kc8tby
What a beautiful rendition of this hymn! As a Catholic I can only add my own gratitude to my brothers and sisters of faith for their dedication to the ministry of music. Merry Christmas to you all!
@Canterburypilgram
I'm not Mormon myself, but I have to say the Mormons make these classic Christmas songs so spectacular. Thank you for sharing this masterpiece.
@shorelockhomes943
Thanks. We respect everyone and all beliefs equally. As far as I'm concerned, if one is doing good we are on the same side no matter what our faith. I agree with you on the music. May peace be with you always.
@ItsMe-cu5vq
Never in the bible mentions god being born in christmas, false followers. May God Be with you
@edwatts9890
@@ItsMe-cu5vq: True, but that leaves only 364.25 (approx.) days to choose from. Why not December 25?
@vollmond9342
I'm an ex mormon but I still love the music
@staxplease
@@ItsMe-cu5vq December 25 or not, the Savior's birth is worth celebrating!!
@fredreinhard2091
I am not Mormon! But thank this Church for placing the meaning and song of this Holy Season for all to hear. God Bless All.
@churchofjesuschrist
Thank you for your comment, glad you liked it!
@davidfriesen9512
I tell you I've never heard as rich a choir in my life. Full tone! Perfect harmony! Spectacular acoustics. Listen to the piper play. He's the best piper I've ever heard. How hard these musicians must practice. If anyone that is reading this knows the choir and instrumentation please please please let them know that it means an awefull lot to me and probably countless others. LET EVERYTHING THAT HAS BREATHE PRAISE THE LORD! if all I was predestinated to do on earth was to be a praiser of God then I feel that would be sufficient. I just spent the last hour and a half listening to still still still by your orchestra and choir and it's still ringing deep in my heart this moment! Hallelujah