VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers; Anna Christofaro, soprano

When in the eastern skies The wondrous star did rise And fill the night with splendor, Came birds in joyful throng To sound their dainty song In a carol sweet and tender, Hosanna to the Child And to his Mother mild Full rev’rently to render. The kingly eagle came To praise His holy name In mighty proclamation; The sparrow then replied: “Tonight is Christmastide, Ah, night of jubilation.” Then robin red-breast sang: “Now death has lost its pang; In Christ is our salvation.” The nightingale sang sweet The Holy Babe to greet In Mary’s arms a-lying. The cuckoo and the quail Flew over hill and dale In admiration vying. The barn-owl’s eyes were dim, Such radiance blinded him, And homeward he went flying. Traditional Spanish, Translation by Kurt Schindler and Deems Taylor