Old & New Cornish Christmas Carols
Cornish Carols - A Tradition For The World
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Camborne

Dolcoath Copper Mine By Thomas Allom
A tradition carried on amongst Cornish miners is to fasten a large gorse bush at the very top of the hoist. The gorse must be in flower and it is said to bring luck to the mine for the following twelve months. Another tradition was to hold a carol service underground and I will never forget the day I stood with fellow workers in the pump room down Crofty and sang "Hark the glad sound" to the tune by Thomas Merritt.
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CHRISTMAS IN CAMBORNE By George Pritchard |
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Cross Street is gay. The chip shop's crowded. Crowned with a blue electric star The gift tree by the fountain shimmers, Superbly tall if angular. In Trelowarren Street the lights do dazzle The shops are having a mini boom. From the church tower the bells are ringing, Incessant, through the afternoon. Early are the windows lighted Tempting shoppers who come inside. Children's noses pressed to windows Trying to see what mother buys. Grandpa's had enough of shopping Goes and finds a place to rest Lifts a glass in celebration He says this Christmas will be the best. |
Whilst deep below ground at South Crofty A miners chorus begin to sing. "Hark the glad sound" a tune by Merritt, Throughout the levels, they let it ring. And as they sing it in the pump room Others come from out the ends No need for cornets or euphoniums, Their voice alone the message sends. This band of brothers joining together, To tell the tale of a baby boy. So even in the darkest tunnel They spread the message of Christmas joy Much later when their 'core' is ended With friends they'll gather in the square Their wives and children all together Singing the rousing Carolare. |
Breathless, with boxes in a jumble The taxi drivers come and go. Madam Chairman pulls the handle Lights up the tree, oh, what a show And little children looking heavenward Cluster mittened in the Square They talk of Santa, half affrighted, Waiting in the cold night air. Now the town band strikes up the anthem Troon Choir their music bring Come and join our celebration Lift your voice and with us sing. "Hark, the glad sound! the Savior comes, The Savior promised long; Let every heart prepare a throne, And every voice a song." Click to Play |
| 1. Hark, the glad sound! the Saviour
comes, The Saviour promised long; Let every heart prepare a throne, And every voice a song. 2. On Him the Spirit, largely poured, 3. He comes, the prisoners to release, 4. He comes, from thickest films of vice 5. He comes, the broken heart to bind, 6. His silver trumpets publish loud 7. Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace,
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Thanks to Hymns and Carols for making the midi scores available to use.
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Federation of Old Cornwall Societies www.oldcornwall.org |
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