Patrick Millstone

A Spanish Christmas Carol

Rondeau of the Shepherds, ' so ran the official title of the famous Dutch Christmas carol 'Midden in de winternacht'.
In 1948 wrote Dutch poet and writer Harry Prenen this text. The melody is known by the 17th/18th- century organ composers of suites Daquin, Balbastre and Dandrieu.
'Rondeau of the Shepherds' was subtitled 'Catalan Christmas Carol'.
The song itself is because its origins in a Spanish (Catalan probably) Christmas song from the late Middle Ages, 'El Desembre congelat. The motives of this song (shepherds, flutes, drums) demonstrate knowledge of the Bible and give a picture of the late medieval Christmas experience..
Perfect as an uptempo intermezzoin a church service.