In a warm treatment of this familiar carol, Humble has included both Austrian and an English translation for the first solo verse. With gentle voice leading and an adept knowledge of the tenor and bass voices, Humble’s writing brings a fresh sound to this carol.

Composer’s Notes

“Still, Still, Still” has long been a favorite carol of mine. This Austrian lullaby with its rocking melody is incredibly sweet. I was thrilled to have the chance to arrange this for Cantus when we needed an a cappella version. I originally chose to use the German in the opening solo to keep this carol closer to its roots but if tackling the language is not in your rehearsal plan, I’ve provided an English option as well. The stacked accompaniment should be reminiscent of church bells ringing in the distance—gentle and shimmery. While it may take a bit of rehearsing for the baritones to bounce off the downbeat and enter in time, having the section breathe rhythmically or tap a subdivision will help line that up. At the end of the piece, when the stacked accompaniment figure returns in m. 40, split your baritones and basses between the final note on “King” and the return of the bell tones.

The piece may be sung up or down a half step to aid in tuning.

– Aaron Humble (2019)

Text

Still, still, still, weill’s Kindlein schlafen will.
Die Englein tun schön jubilieren,
Bei dem Kripplein musizieren,
Still, still, still, weill’s Kindlein schlafen will.

Still, still, still, the birds their song do trill.
The angels sing their jubilation,
Peace to the earth and all creation.
Still, still, still, the birds their song do trill.

Still, still, still, the night is cold and chill.
The virgin’s tender arms enfolding,
Warm and safe the Christ child holding.
Still, still, still, the night is cold and chill.

Dream, dream, dream, He sleeps, the Savior King.
While guardian angels watch beside Him,
Mary tenderly will guide Him.
Dream, dream, dream, He sleeps, the Savior King.

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