The Shepherds’ Farewell
January 2, 2023
Adoration of the Shepherds (detail), Ridolfo Ghirlandaio; 1510
“THE SHEPHERD’S Farewell” is one of the most moving of carols, taken from a 19th-century French composer’s Christmas oratorio, L’Enfance du Christ. Hector Berlioz, known mostly for his discordant music and said to be an atheist, imagined the shepherds in Bethlehem bidding the Holy Family goodbye and composed this tender hymn. People who disliked his other music praised The Shepherds’ Farewell. He said:
In that work many people imagined they could detect a radical change in my style and manner. This opinion is entirely without foundation. The subject naturally lent itself to a gentle and simple style of music, and for that reason alone was more in accordance with their taste and intelligence. [Source]
Perhaps one has to be simple to enjoy this evocation of the ancient shepherds, their hearts overflowing with hushed wonder and love. The single oboe suggests a rustic pipe and the choir, the angels they have heard.
The Shepherds’ Farewell to the Holy Family (from L’Enfance du Christ Op. 25) by Hector Berlioz
1. Thou must leave Thy lowly dwelling,
The humble crib, the stable bare.
Babe, all mortal babes excelling,
Content our earthly lot to share.
Loving father, Loving mother,
Shelter Thee with tender care!
2. Blessed Jesus, we implore Thee
With humble love and holy fear.
In the land that lies before Thee,
Forget not us who linger here!
May the shepherd’s lowly calling,
Ever to Thy heart be dear!
3. Blest are ye beyond all measure,
Thou happy father, mother mild!
Guard ye well your heav’nly treasure,
The Prince of Peace, The Holy Child!
God go with you, God protect you,
Guide you safely through the wild!
