What Child Is This?

Music: English · Words: Dix, William Chatterton (1837-1865) · Press play and watch the score light up — solo any part, slow it down, loop the hard bits. Free.

2 parts on separate tracksSlow-down 50–90%, pitch trueA-B loopPublic domain

Opens the practice studio: score follows the sound, every part on its own track.

Lyrics

1. What Child is this who, laid to rest On Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary.

2. Why lies He in such mean estate, Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christians, fear, for sinners here The silent Word is pleading. Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, The cross be borne for me, for you. Hail, hail the Word made flesh, The Babe, the Son of Mary.

3. So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh, Come peasant, king to own Him; The King of kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone Him. Raise, raise a song on high, The virgin sings her lullaby. Joy, joy for Christ is born, The Babe, the Son of Mary.

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Frequently asked questions

Is this free?
Yes — playback, part solo/mute, tempo control and looping are all free, right in the browser. The score and audio are generated from a public domain edition (Open Hymnal Project).
Can I do this with my own sheet music?
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Is this arrangement public domain?
Yes. Words, music and this edition are public domain, from the Open Hymnal Project. You may sing, perform and share it freely.