10th December, 2023
Jul, Jul, Stralande Jul
words Edvard Evers (1853 -1919) & music Gustav Nordqvist (1886-1949)
harp duo arranged and performed by Anna Dunwoodie and Danielle Perrett
This lovely carol was selected and arranged by Anna for her volume called ‘Harp Moments’ for intermediate harp, which she brought out in 2021 and from which you heard Twinkling Lights on 2nd December (please see the final link at the end of this writing).
This carol (not Anna’s version of it!) was first published in 1921. It was Nordqvist’s most famous composition and became one of Sweden’s most popular 20th century Christmas Carols, having been recorded by many artists since its earliest recording in 1924 and reaching the charts more than once at Christmas with its highest spot being no 7 in December 2002.
An English translation version was made by American arranger Norman Luboff.
I have to say that I cannot think of a year when the words of this carol could be more appropriate, although it seems that in the years since it was composed it has proved itself to be very appropriate in more years than I could ever feel comfortable with.
Christmas, Christmas, glorious Christmas
Shine over white forests
The crowns of heaven with sparkling lights
Glistening bows in each of gods houses
A hymn sung time and time again
Eternal longing for light and peace
Christmas, Christmas, glorious Christmas
Shine over white forests
Come, come holy Christmas
Wrap your white wings
Around the blood and turmoil of war
Around all the people’s sighs
Around all the families who travel to peace
Around the youth’s daily lives
Come, come, holy Christmas
Bring your white wings down
Swedish text:
Jul, jul, strålande jul
Glans över vita skogar
Himmelens kronor
Med gnistrande ljus
Glimmande bågar
I alla Guds hus
Psalm som är sjungen från tid till tid
Eviga längtan till ljus och frid
Jul, jul, strålande jul
Glans över vita skogar
Kom, kom, signade jul
Sänk dina vita vingar
Över stridernas blod och larm
Över all suckan ur människobarm
Över de släkten som gå till ro
Över de ungas dagande bo
Kom, kom, signade jul
Sänk dina vita vingar
Performed on Erard and Erat Grecian harps from the 1830s.