William Mathias: Sir Christèmas (1969)

This Saturday evening the Church celebrates the first Evensong or Vespers of Advent. For most Christians this is the beginning a time of expectation and preparation looking towards both the Nativity and Jesus’s return as Judge in the Last Days. The church typically prays that God’s mercy and light will shine upon all peoples of the world. It is also period for personal reflection on the individual’s relationship with God. 

Sir Christèmas is part of William Mathias’s (1934-92) large sacred work, Ave Rex, op.24. This piece was first performed on 6 December 1969, by the Cardiff Polyphonic Choir in Llandaff Cathedral under Roy Bohana. This entire work is a sequence of three contrasting, medieval carols, framed by a dramatic setting of the invocation Ave Rex itself.

The office of Sir Christèmas is surrounded in mystery, but he appears to be an envoy combined with master of ceremonies. He is welcomed by the assembled worshipers or carollers and invited to draw near. Christèmas announces that “a maid hath borne a child full young,” and this is the real reason they are singing ‘Nowell,’ which is a corruption of the French ‘Noël’ for Christmas. But then, the old knight bids the assembly to “Buvez bien, buvez bien par toute la compagnie” (Drink up, drink up, with all the company). He elaborates on the Christmas story before reminding everybody to sing the refrain joyfully.

The text is anonymous and exists in several versions. It is believed to have been written prior to 1500.

Willaim Mathias’s setting of Sir Christèmas is written in a bouncy 12/8 metre throughout, and the basic structure is strophic with the variety provided by the refrain and the antiphonal play between the burden of the message, and the repeated singing of “Nowell”. The first three stanzas are presented in different ecclesiastical modes by the basses, altos and sopranos. All come together for the final verse. The organ provides a lively and rhythmical part throughout. The carol ends with a shouted rather than sung, Nowell! 

Sir Christèmas can be heard here. It is sung by the Choir of King's College Cambridge.

Nowell, nowell.

Who is there that singeth so?

I am here, Sir Christèmas.

Welcome, my lord Sir Christèmas!

Welcome to all, both more and less!

Come near, come near,

Nowell, nowell.

Dieu vous garde, beaux sieurs,

Tidings I you bring:

A maid hath borne a child full young,

Which causeth you to sing:

Nowell, nowell.

Christ is now born of a pure maid,

In an ox-stall he is laid,

Wherefore sing we at a brayde:

Nowell, nowell.

Buvez bien, buvez bien

Par toute la compagnie.

Make good cheer and be right merry,

And sing with us now joyfully:

Nowell, nowell.

Anon 14th Century