Since this season falls within Canada's 150th birthday year, our director picked out pieces that were all composed and/or arranged by Canadians. One of these is Taladh Chriosda ("the Christ Child's Lullaby") a traditional Gaelic carol arranged by Canadian composer Mark Sirett. It's quite pretty, but I'm struggling with the pronunciation of the Gaelic, because none of the words seem to be pronounced the way they're spelled. This is particularly lowering for me: of Scottish descent, with a grandfather from Cape Breton who spoke Gaelic, and lover of all things Scottish; I've even visited the auld sod on two occasions- the second time spending three weeks hiking in the Highlands. And I'm struggling to sing a Gaelic lullaby. How embarrassing... I'm thinking that I should perhaps take an online Gaelic course, if I can find the time.
In any case, this is the arrangement we're doing, except with mixed choir instead of all women:
Taladh Chriosda
Mo ghaol mo gradg is m'edudail thu
Gur m'iuntas ur is m'eibneas thu!
Mo mhacan alainn, ceutach thu!
Chan fhui fhein a bhi ad dhal.
Mo ghaol an tsuil a sheallas tla!
Mo ghaol an cridh tha liont le gradh!
Ged is leaneabh thu gun chal
Is lion mhor buidh tha ort tafas.
Alleluia
(Translation)
My joy, my love, my pride you are!
My new treasure, my pleasure you are!
My lovely beautiful son,
I am unworthy to bear you.
Alleluia.
Pure son of hope and light you are!
Of love the heart and eye you are!
Though you are but a tender baby
I bow in adoration to you.
Alleluia.