Seamus Hammond
What is This Lovely Fragrance? is a 17th-century French Christmas carol about the Nativity of Christ. The carol's lyrics refer to the scent of flowers in spring and the radiance of the Morning Star. It invites shepherds to seek the Saviour, who lies in a manger in Bethlehem. The melody is a folk tune that was used by John Gay in his satirical work, The Beggar's Opera. The carol has been arranged for various instruments, including handbells, organ, brass, and choir.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | What Is This Lovely Fragrance |
| Date | 17th-century |
| Origin | French |
| Genre | Traditional Noël (carol) |
| Lyrics | About the Nativity of Christ |
| Melody | Folk tune |
| Melody Used By | John Gay in The Beggar’s Opera |
| Arrangement | May stand alone as a piece for handbells only or be enhanced with optional organ, brass, timpani, choir and/or congregation |
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What You'll Learn
The origins of the 17th-century French carol
"What is This Lovely Fragrance?" is a 17th-century French carol. The original French title is "Quelle est cette odeur agréable?". The carol is about the Nativity of Christ and features shepherds being called to the manger, following a star that is brighter than a Morning Star.
During the golden age of the English carol (c. 1350-1550), the songs typically followed a burden-verse form, with a refrain (or burden) alternating with verses (or stanzas). Many carols from this period were macaronic, mixing two languages, usually Latin and English. The songs often focused on the Virgin Mary, the Christ child, or saints associated with the Christmas season.
In the 15th century, the carol continued to be a popular religious song but also evolved as art music and a literary form. The musical form became more elaborate, with two soloists followed by a three-part chorus, and the basic rhythm changed to 3/4 time with cross-rhythms. The emphasis was on melody and rhythm rather than harmony.
By the 17th century, carols were still being written but went into decline as church services became less popular. This was particularly true in Britain during the English Civil Wars (1642-1651) when the Puritans prohibited the celebration of Christmas. However, carols experienced a revival following the Stuart Restoration of 1660, attracting the interest of accomplished composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach.
The 17th-century French carol "What is This Lovely Fragrance?" is a beautiful example of the tradition of carols that evolved over centuries, combining folk music and sacred song to create a beloved part of the Christmas season.
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The melody and its use in The Beggar's Opera
"What is This Lovely Fragrance?" is a 17th-century French traditional Christmas carol about the Nativity of Christ. The melody accompanying its lyrics, a folk tune, was used by John Gay in his satirical work, "The Beggar's Opera". The opera's plot and music were inspired by the popular ballad tradition, featuring familiar tunes that the audience could easily recognize and sing along to. This departure from the conventions of Italian opera and the use of the English language made "The Beggar's Opera" a revolutionary work that reflected the social and political climate of 18th-century England.
The opera is known for its satirical and comedic take on society, as it portrays a world of thieves, prostitutes, and corrupt officials. It offers a social commentary on the politics and morals of the time, dealing with social inequity on a broad scale through the comparison of low-class thieves and prostitutes with their aristocratic and bourgeois "betters". Gay's lyrics sometimes play with the wording of popular ballads to amuse and entertain the audience. He used Scottish folk melodies, mostly taken from the poet Allan Ramsay's popular collection "The Gentle Shepherd", as well as two French tunes, including the carol "Quelle est cette odeur agréable?" for his song "Fill Every Glass".
The music of "The Beggar's Opera" is generally light and melodic, supporting the catchy and memorable melodies of the popular tunes used. The specific instrumentation can vary depending on the production and the available resources, but it typically employs a small orchestra consisting of strings, woodwinds (such as flutes and oboes), brass instruments (such as horns and trumpets), and percussion. The opera's composer, Johann Christoph Pepusch, was known for his skillful use of melody and his ability to adapt existing tunes to fit new contexts. He had a deep understanding of English folk music and incorporated its melodies into his compositions, giving them a distinctly English flavour.
"The Beggar's Opera" premiered at the Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre on 29 January 1728 and ran for 62 consecutive performances, becoming one of the most popular plays of the 18th century. It is considered a groundbreaking work that challenged the traditional operatic conventions of the time and paved the way for the development of the English ballad opera genre and modern musical theatre.
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The lyrics and their meaning
"What is This Lovely Fragrance?" ("Quelle est cette odeur agréable?") is a 17th-century French traditional Christmas carol about the Nativity of Christ. The lyrics, set to a folk melody, call the shepherds to the manger, where they are invited to seek the Saviour, born today.
The first verse asks: "Shepherds, what is this lovely fragrance/ Filling the air this wondrous night?" This is repeated in the second version of the carol as: "What is this lovely fragrance wafting/ Like to the scents of flow'rs in spring?" The shepherds are asked to identify the source of this beautiful scent, which is so powerful that it steals our senses all away.
The second verse of the carol asks: "What is this light, so clear and brilliant/ Filling the sky before our eyes?" The light is described as "so fair and tender", and is compared to a radiant Morning Star, shining in the eastern sky. The brilliance of the light is emphasised, with the star described as "brighter than day".
The third verse reveals the answer to the questions posed in the first two verses: "In Bethlehem, in a lowly manger/ Lies our Redeemer, Lord, and King". The shepherds are urged to hasten to adore Him and to sing praises to the newborn Saviour.
The carol's lyrics, therefore, use the imagery of fragrance and light to guide the shepherds to the manger, where they are invited to worship the newborn Christ child. The fragrance and light are described in poetic, exalted terms, reflecting the joy and wonder of the Nativity.
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The arrangement for handbells and choir
"What is This Lovely Fragrance" is a 17th-century French traditional Christmas carol about the Nativity of Christ. The arrangement for handbells and choir is a creative and enchanting setting that brings the beloved carol to life anew. The graceful melody and exquisite vocal harmonies are showcased in a cappella phrases that alternate with brief instrumental interludes.
The simple yet effective handbell part adds a unique dimension to the piece, providing a descriptive style that tells a tale of love and loss, adventure, and peril. The arrangement may stand alone as a piece for handbells only or be enhanced with the addition of an organ, brass, timpani, choir, and/or congregation. The handbell score typically ranges from 4-7 octaves, with some arrangements featuring 2-3 octaves.
The choir arrangement is typically for a SATB choir, with the melody and harmonies showcased in the vocal lines. The text, calling the shepherds to the manger, is set to a folk tune that was also used by John Gay in his satirical work, "The Beggar's Opera." The choir arrangement may be performed with the handbells alone or with the full accompaniment of organ, brass, and timpani.
Overall, the arrangement for handbells and choir of "What is This Lovely Fragrance" is a flexible and enchanting setting that captures the beauty and wonder of the original carol. The interplay between the handbells and the choir creates a unique sound that enhances the expressive and descriptive nature of the piece.
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The alternate version with organ, brass, and timpani
"What is This Lovely Fragrance" is a 17th-century French traditional Christmas carol about the Nativity of Christ. The melody accompanying its lyrics, a folk tune, was used by John Gay in his satirical work, "The Beggar’s Opera". The carol typically features a text calling the shepherds to the manger.
The organ, brass, and timpani arrangement of "What is This Lovely Fragrance" captures the joyous and celebratory nature of the carol, enhancing the festive setting intended to accompany congregational singing. The organ provides a full and majestic sound, while the brass adds a brilliant and triumphant tone. The timpani contributes to the overall grandeur and ceremonial feel of the piece.
This arrangement is ideal for creating a majestic and celebratory atmosphere during the Christmas season, especially when performed with the optional choir and congregation. The interplay between the instruments and vocals highlights the beauty of the melody and the text, making it a delightful addition to any festive repertoire.
The organ, brass, and timpani version of "What is This Lovely Fragrance" is a creative and enchanting setting of this beloved French carol, offering a unique take on a traditional piece while retaining its graceful and exquisite character.
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Frequently asked questions
"What Is This Lovely Fragrance" is a 17th-century French traditional carol about the Nativity of Christ.
The melody is a folk tune, graceful, and exquisite, with harmonious a cappella phrases and brief instrumental interludes.
The song is about the birth of Jesus Christ and calls the shepherds to the manger.
