Christmas Songs

Song Cycle by Peter Cornelius (1824 - 1874)

View original-language texts alone: Weihnachtslieder, op. 8

1. Christbaum
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wie schön geschmückt der festliche Raum!
Die Lichter funkeln am Weihnachtsbaum!
O fröhliche Zeit, o seliger Traum!
Die Mutter sitzt in der Kinder Kreis,
Nun schweiget alles auf ihr Geheiß,
Sie singet des Christkinds Lob und Preis,
Und rings vom Weihnachtsbaum erhellt,
Ist schön in Bildern aufgestellt
Des heiligen Buches Palmenwelt.
Die Kinder schauen der Bilder Pracht,
Und haben wohl des Singens acht,
Das tönt so süß in der Weihenacht.
O glücklicher Kreis im festlichen Raum,
O gold'ne Lichter am Weihnachtsbaum,
O fröhliche Zeit, o seliger Traum!

Text Authorship:

Go to the general single-text view

by Peter Cornelius (1824 - 1874)
1. Christmas Tree
Language: English 
How prettily is the festive room adorned!
The candles shimmer on the Christmas tree!
O glad time! o blissful dream!
Mother sits among her children;
now everyone is silent at her command:
she sings the Christ-child's praise and glory.
And all around, illuminated by the Christmas tree,
beautifully shown in pictures,
is the palmy world of the Holy Book.
The children gaze at the pictures' magnificence
and pay close attention to the singing,
that sounds so sweet on the eve of Christmas!
O happy circle in a festive room!
O golden candles on the Christmas tree!
O glad time! o blissful dream!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 15
Word count: 102

Translation © by Emily Ezust
2a. Die Hirten
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Die Hirten wachen nachts im Feld;
so still und dunkel liegt die Welt,
die Menschen alle schlafen:
Aber die Hirten, die armen Hirten
halten Wacht bei den Schafen.

Und sieh! ein Engel licht und schön
hernieder schwebt von Himmelshöhn,
Ein Bote auserkoren:
"Freuet euch, Hirten,Ihr guten Hirten,
der Heiland der Welt ist geboren."

Und Engel singen ringsumher:
"Sei Gott im Himmel Ruhm und Ehr,
den Menschen Frieden werde!"
Aber die Hirten, die frommen Hirten
knieten nieder zur Erde.

Dann eilten sie zum heil'gen Ort,
Maria und Joseph sahn sie dort,
den Sohn gehüllt in Windlein.
Selige Hirten, die guten Hirten
beteten an das Kindlein.

Text Authorship:

Go to the general single-text view

by Peter Cornelius (1824 - 1874)
2a. The shepherds
Language: English 
The shepherds keep watch in the fields by night;
the world lies peaceful and dark,
all people are asleep:
the shepherds, however, the poor shepherds
keep watch over their flock.

And lo! An angel, bright and full of beauty,
comes upon them from the heavens high,
a chosen herald:
"Rejoice, shepherds, ye good shepherds,
the Saviour of the world is born."

And all around angels sing:
"Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to all people!"
The shepherds, however, the pious shepherds
dropped to their knees.
 
Then they went to the holy place,
and found Mary and Joseph there,
the Son wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Blessed shepherds, the good shepherds
worshipped the child.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2007 by Bertram Kottmann, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you must ask the copyright-holder(s) directly for permission. If you receive no response, you must consider it a refusal.

    Bertram Kottmann.  Contact: BKottmann (AT) t-online.de

    If you wish to commission a new translation, please contact:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2007-10-08
Line count: 20
Word count: 114

Translation © by Bertram Kottmann
2b. Die Hirten
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Hirten wachen im Feld,
Nacht ist rings auf der Welt,
Wach sind die Hirten alleine
  Im Haine.

Und ein Engel so licht
Grüßet die Hirten und spricht:
"Christ, das Heil aller Frommen,
  Ist kommen!"

Engel singen umher:
"Gott im Himmel sei Ehr'
Und den Menschen hienieden
  Sei Frieden!"

Eilen die Hirten fort,
Eilen zum heilgen Ort,
Beten an in den Windlein
  Das Kindlein.

Text Authorship:

Go to the general single-text view

Confirmed with Gedichte von Peter Cornelius, eingeleitet von Adolf Stern, Leipzig, C. F. Kahnt Nachfolger, 1890, page 140.


by Peter Cornelius (1824 - 1874)
2b. The shepherds
Language: English 
Shepherds watch in the field;
night surrounds the world;
only the shepherds are awake
in the grove.

And an angel so bright
greets the shepherds and says:
"Christ, the salvation of all pious souls,
is come!"

The angels sing all around:
"Glory to God in Heaven!
And to men down below,
peace!"

The shepherds hurry forth,
hurry to the holy place,
and worship the infant
in swaddling clothes.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 68

Translation © by Emily Ezust
3. Die Könige
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Drei Kön'ge wandern aus Morgenland,
Ein Sternlein führt sie zum Jordanstrand,
In Juda fragen und forschen die Drei,
Wo der neugeborene König sei?
Sie wollen Weihrauch, Myrrhen und Gold
Dem Kinde spenden zum Opfersold.

Und hell erglänzet des Sternes Schein,
Zum Stalle gehen die Kön'ge ein,
Das Knäblein schaun sie wonniglich,
Anbetend neigen die Kön'ge sich;
Sie bringen Weihrauch, Myrrhen und Gold
Zum Opfer dar dem Knäblein hold.

O Menschenkind, halte treulich Schritt!
Die Kön'ge wandern, o wandre mit!
Der Stern der Liebe, der Gnade Stern
Erhelle Dein Ziel, so Du suchst den Herrn,
Und fehlen Weihrauch, Myrrhen und Gold,
Schenke Dein Herz dem Knäblein hold!

Text Authorship:

Go to the general single-text view

by Peter Cornelius (1824 - 1874)
3. The Kings
 (Sung text translation) See original
Language: English 
Three kings are traveling from the East;
a small star leads them to Jordan.
In Judea they ask and search, these three,
where the new-born king is.
They wish to bring incense, myrrh and gold
as an offering to the child.

And the light of the star shines brightly:
the kings go into the stall;
gazing with wonder at the child,
the kings bow low in worship.
They bring incense, myrrh and gold
as an offering to the sweet baby boy.

O Sons of Man! keep faith!
The kings are journeying - travel with them! 
The star of love, the star of grace
shine on your goal as you seek the Lord,
and if you lack incense, myrrh and gold,
give instead your heart to that sweet baby boy!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


Based on:

Go to the general single-text view

Note: the footnotes below describe changes for the sung text.


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 18
Word count: 134

Translation © by Emily Ezust
4. Simeon
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Das Knäblein nach acht Tagen
  Ward gen Jerusalem
Zum Gotteshaus getragen
  Vom Stall in Bethlehem.
Da kommt ein Greis geschritten,
  Der fromme Simeon,
Er nimmt in Tempels Mitten
  Vom Mutterarm den Sohn.
Vom Angesicht des Alten
  Ein Strahl der Freude bricht,
Er preiset Gottes Walten
  Weissagungsvoll und spricht:
"Nun lässest du in Frieden,
  Herr, deinen Diener gehn,
Da du mir noch beschieden,
  Den Heiland anzusehn,
Den du der Welt gesendet,
  Daß er dem Heidenthum
Des Lichtes Helle spendet
  Zu Deines Volkes Ruhm!"
Mit froh erstauntem Sinnen
  Vernimmt's der Eltern Paar,
Dann tragen sie von hinnen
  Das Knäblein wunderbar.

Text Authorship:

Go to the general single-text view

by Peter Cornelius (1824 - 1874)
4. Simeon
Language: English 
After eight days,the baby boy
was carried to Jerusalem,
to the house of God,
from the stall in Bethlehem.
There comes striding an old man,
the pious Simeon;
in the middle of the temple he takes
the son from his mother's arms.
From the face of the old man
beams bright joy;
he praises God's ways,
full of prophecy, and says:
"Now, permit your servant
to depart in peace, Lord,
for you have allowed
me to see the Saviour,
whom you sent into the world
to bestow upon the Gentiles
the brightness of your light,
to the glory of your people!"
With happily astonished minds,
the pair of parents listen,
then leave, carrying away
the wondrous infant boy.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 24
Word count: 118

Translation © by Emily Ezust
5. Christus der Kinderfreund
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Das zarte Knäblein ward ein Mann,
  Erlöst uns von der Sünde Bann;
Doch neigt'  er freundlich immerdar
  Und liebend sich zur Kinderschar.
Habt ihr den Ruf des Herrn vernommen,
  Des Heilands Stimme mild und weich?
"Lasset die Kleinen zu mir kommen,
  Denn ihrer ist das Himmelreich!"

Mich aber mahnt die Weihnachtszeit
  An Träume der Vergangenheit;
Erinnrungsodem hauchet mild
  Den Schleier von der Kindheit Bild;
Da Lichter hell am Baum erglommen,
  Ist mir, als würd' ich Kindern gleich,
Als dürft' ich mit Euch Kleinen kommen,
  Zu theilen Euer Himmelreich.

Text Authorship:

Go to the general single-text view

by Peter Cornelius (1824 - 1874)
5. Christ the Friend of Children
Language: English 
The tender boy became a man
and redeemed us from the spell of sin;
Yet he always bows kindly
and lovingly to a crowd of children.
Have you heard the call of the Lord,
the Saviour's voice, mild and soft?
"Let the little ones come to me,
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven!"

But to me, Christmastime reminds me
of the dreams of the past;
a breath of memory gently wafts 
the veil away from images of childhood;
when the candles gleam brightly on the tree,
I feel as if I were a child again -
as if I could come with you children
to share your Heavenly Kingdom.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 109

Translation © by Emily Ezust
6. Christkind
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Das einst ein Kind auf Erden war,
Christkindlein, kommt noch jedes Jahr.

Kommet vom hohen Sternenzelt,
Freut und beglücket alle Welt.

Mit Kindern feiert's froh den Tag,
Wo Christkind in der Krippe lag.

Den Christbaum zündet's überall,
Weckt Orgelklang und Glockenschall.

Christkindlein kommt zu Arm und Reich,
Die Guten sind ihm alle gleich.

Danket ihm denn und grüßt es fein,
Auch Euch beglückte Christkindlein.

Text Authorship:

Go to the general single-text view

Confirmed with Peter Cornelius, Gedichte, eingeleitet von Adolf Stern, Leipzig: C.F. Kahnt Nachfolger, 1890, page 144.


by Peter Cornelius (1824 - 1874)
6. Christ-child
Language: English 
He who once was a child on this earth,
the Christ-child, comes yet again every year.

He comes from the sublime starry sky,
and delights and inspires all the world!

He joyously celebrates with children the day
the Christchild lay in his manger;

All around, he ignites the Christmas trees
and awakens the peal of an organ and the toll of bells.

The Christ-child comes to the poor and the rich,
for to him, the good are all alike.

Thank him then, and greet him well;
the Christ-child has made you happy as well!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.


Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 12
Word count: 94

Translation © by Emily Ezust