canasg choral music publishing

SG1515

Tàladh Chrìosda

(Lullaby to the Christ child)

a traditional Gaelic Christmas song from
the West of Scotland

arranged by Sheena Phillips
for soprano, alto and tenor/baritone chorus

SATB performance time approx 3m 30s

Arranger's note

This is a beautiful and simple Gaelic song from the West of Scotland, which addresses the Christ child with the most gorgeous and endearing words. It works with ensembles of any size, and provides a wonderful moment of stillness in a Christmas programme.

The dynamics suggested (verse 1 piano, verse 2 more warmly, verse 1 repeated pianissimo) work well but feel free to experiment. It’s unusual, but particularly effective, to sing ‘Alleluia’ softly for a change!

A recording by Rudsambee company of singers is available on the album Dies natalis invicti solis (RUBEECD001).

Music

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Hear a MIDI file of the song

Words

Tàladh Chrìosda
(Lullaby to the Christ child)

1.Mo ghaol, mo ghràdh is m'eudail thu,
M'iunntas ùr is m'éibhneas thu,
Mo mhacan àlainn ceutach thu,
Chan fhiù mi-fhéin bhith 'd dhàil.

Chorus: Alleluia

2.Mo ghaol an t-sùil a sheallas tlàth,
Mo ghaol an cridh' tha liont' le gràdh;
Ged is leanabh thu gun chàil
Is lionmhor buaidh tha ort a' fàs.

traditional Gaelic song

Translation

My darling, my love and treasure, you,
My new-found wealth and ecstasy, you,
My gorgeous handsome wee son, you,
I am unworthy to be in your presence.

My love the eye that gently sees,
My love the heart that's filled with affection.
Although you are a helpless child
Many virtues are growing in you.

Canasg editors

Full pronunciation guide provided

Price per copy £1.30 ($2.00)

Note: This price is for the first 20 licensed copies of the song, further copies cost only 25% of this price.

Companion pieces

Browse the Scots and Gaelic section of the Canasg catalogue for more songs like this one. To go there now, click on the 'catalogue' box to the right.

Canasg Music