Sheet Music: Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella

TitleBring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
Alternate titlesUn flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle
ComposerTraditional French
InstrumentationFlute and Piano
KeyG major
RangeD5–D6
Time signature3/8
Tempo60 BPM
Performance time0:30
Difficulty leveleasy
Download printable scorePDF Sheet Music (65 kB) (preview)
Download audio tracksMIDI (change tempo/key) MP3 (422 kB)
Play-along accompanimentMIDI (change tempo/key) MP3 (450 kB)
Date added2009-12-19
Last updated2009-12-19
Download popularity index☆☆☆☆☆ 0.5 (below average)
Categories
Christmas carols, Dance tunes, Hymn tunes, Traditional/Folk

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Saturday 19 December 2009

Tune of the Day: Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella

Traditional French Christmas carol

This Christmas carol, also known under the French title “Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle” originated from the Provence region of France in the 16th century. First published in 1553, the song was not originally intended to be sung at Christmas, but rather to be played as dance music for French nobility.

The carol tells the story of two milkmaids, Jeanette and Isabella, who go to milk their cows in a stable in Bethlehem, only to find the baby Jesus sleeping in the manger. The two girls run to town to tell the village of the coming of Christ, and the townspeople come with their own torches to view the sight for themselves. To this day in the Provence region, children dress up as shepherds and milkmaids, carrying torches and candles to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, while singing the carol.