Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella

France

SONG NOTES

Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella, originally Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle in French, is a traditional Christmas lullaby from the Provence region of France. The first published version of the song appeared in 1688. Many versions of this beautiful melody have since been published, with multiple verses in both English and French. In Diller-Quaile’s arrangement, we have chosen this favorite, which allows us to explore a more piano dynamic:

Softly to the little stable, softly for a moment come.

Look and see how charming is Jesus. How he is warm, his cheeks are rosy.

Hush, hush, see how the child is sleeping. Hush, hush, see how he smiles in dreams.

Singing and Listening

Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella may be sung either as an uptempo song that inspires movement, or as a lullaby, with a gentle rocking or swaying motion. While listening to or singing this song, the children can rock their bodies to feel the beat and meter of the song; depending on your classroom space, this can be done either standing or seated, and the addition of scarves or streamers may give the children another way to express the music. This song is difficult for many young children to sing themselves; they may enjoy listening and moving as you sing, or moving along with the recording below. Whether listening as you sing, or beginning to sing themselves, you can give them opportunities throughout the song to experience various dynamics, legato singing, and creating smooth phrases with their voices.

AUDIO RECORDING FOR LISTENING, SINGING ALONG, AND LEARNING:

DOWNLOADS:

PDF of Score: Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella